Is there a local renin-angiotensin system in the heart?

The existence of a local renin-angiotensin system in the heart is still a c ontroversial issue. This review discusses the evidence, obtained from studi es in cardiac cells, in isolated perfused hearts and in intact animals and humans, both under normal and pathological conditions, for local production of prorenin, renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiot ensin I and angiotensin II at cardiac tissue sites. In addition, the role o f alternative angiotensin-generating enzymes (cathepsin, chymase) and the p ossibility of (pro)renin uptake from the circulation is evaluated. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.