Angiotensin II and the heart - On the intracrine renin-angiotensin system

The active end product of the renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin II (Ang II), through the activation of specific Ang II receptors, regulates cardia c contractility, cell coupling, and impulse propagation and is involved in cardiac remodeling, growth, and apoptosis. We review these subjects, as wel l as the second messengers that are involved, and the synthesis of Ang II i n the heart under normal and pathological conditions. Finally, we discuss t he possibility that there is an intracrine renin-angiotensin system in the heart that plays a role in the control of cell communication and inward Ca2 + current.