| The brain renin-angiotensin system: a diversity of functions and implications for CNS diseases. | |
| | |
MedLine Citation:
|
PMID: 22535332 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
|
The classic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was initially described as a hormone system designed to mediate cardiovascular and body water regulation, with angiotensin II as its major effector. The discovery of an independent local brain RAS composed of the necessary functional components (angiotensinogen, peptidases, angiotensins, and specific receptor proteins) significantly expanded the possible physiological and pharmacological functions of this system. This review first describes the enzymatic pathways resulting in active angiotensin ligands and their interaction with AT(1), AT(2), and AT(4) receptor subtypes. Next, we discuss the classic physiologies and behaviors controlled by the RAS including cardiovascular, thirst, and sodium appetite. A final section summarizes non-classic functions and clinical conditions mediated by the brain RAS with focus on memory and Alzheimer's disease. There is no doubt that the brain RAS is an important component in the development of dementia. It also appears to play a role in normal memory consolidation and retrieval. The presently available anti-dementia drugs are proving to be reasonably ineffective, thus alternative treatment approaches must be developed. At the same time, presently available drugs must be tested for their efficacy to treat newly identified syndromes and diseases connected with the RAS. The list of non-classic physiologies and behaviors is ever increasing in both number and scope, attesting to the multidimensional influences of the RAS. Such diversity in function presents a dilemma for both researchers and clinicians. Namely, the blunting of RAS subsystems in the hopes of combating one constellation of underlying causes and disease symptoms may be counter-balanced by unanticipated and unwanted consequences to another RAS subsystem. For example, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and AT(1) and/or AT(2) receptor blockers have shown great promise in the treatment of cardiovascular related pathologies; however, their use could negate the cerebroprotective benefits offered by this system. |
| | |
Authors:
|
John W Wright; Joseph W Harding |
Publication Detail:
|
Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2012-4-26 |
Journal Detail:
|
Title: Pflugers Archiv : European journal of physiology Volume: - ISSN: 1432-2013 ISO Abbreviation: - Publication Date: 2012 Apr |
Date Detail:
|
Created Date: 2012-4-26 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
|
Nlm Unique ID: 0154720 Medline TA: Pflugers Arch Country: - |
Other Details:
|
Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: - |
Affiliation:
|
Programs in Neuroscience and Biotechnology, Washington State University, P.O. Box 646520, Pullman, WA, 99164-6520, USA, wrightjw@wsu.edu. |
Export Citation:
|
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
|
|
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document: Patients' preferences in treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in clinical rout...
Next Document: The value of genetic polymorphisms to predict toxicity in metastatic colorectal patients with irinot...