Nitric oxide and the renin-angiotensin system. Is there a physiological interplay between the systems?

Opposed actions for nitric oxide (NO) and angiotensin II (Ang II) in vascul ar contraction and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and apoptosis are well documented. In addition, various experimental approaches have show n that NO negatively modulates the renin-angiotensin system by inhibiting a ngiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and down-regulating AT(1) recep tors, On the other hand, Ang II and Ang-(1-7) positively stimulate NO synth esis and release, In this review, we analyse the data suggesting a mutual r egulation between the renin-angiotensin and the nitric oxide-generating sys tems, and we propose a homeostatic interplay between both factors aimed at regulating cardiovascular function. J Hypertens 1999, 17:1355-1361 (C) Lipp incott Williams & Wilkins.