DIFFERENTIAL ACTIONS OF ANGIOTENSIN-(1-7) IN THE KIDNEY

Angiotensin-(1-7) is a bioactive component of the renin-angiotensin sy stem that is endogenously formed in the circulation and various tissue s by several enzymatic pathways from either angiotensin (Ang) I or Ang II. Initial studies indicated that Ang-(1-7) mimicked some of the eff ects of Ang II, including stimulation of release of prostanoids and va sopressin. However, Ang-(1-7) is devoid of the vasoconstrictor, centra l presser, or thirst-stimulating actions associated with Ang II. In fa ct, new findings reveal depressor, vasodilator, and antihypertensive a ctions that may be more apparent in hypertensive animals or humans. Th us, increasing evidence suggests that Ang-(1-7) may oppose the actions of Ang II directly or as a result of increasing prostaglandins or nit ric oxide. In this review, we examine recent studies to address whethe r the kidney is a target organ for antihypertensive actions of Ang-(1- 7).