Interactions between the renin-angiotensin system, nitric oxide and endothelin

The renin-angiotensin system plays a major role in the regulation of blood pressure and sodium balance. Nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET-1) are in volved in the regulation of renin release and modulate the vasoconstrictive and fibrogenic effects of angiotensin ii. the mechanisms that activate ren in production are less effective when endogenous NO synthesis is inhibited. In the absence of NO, ET-1 prevents renin secretion. Angiotensin II stimul ates the production of NO and ET-1 by endothelial cells. The vascular effec ts of angiotensin ii are inhibited by NO reinforced by ET-1. The stimulatio n of ET-1 secretion could partly explain the long-term effects of angiotens in II on vascular remodelling.