Angiotensin-(1-7): an update

The renin-angiotensin system is a major physiological regulator of arterial pressure and hydro-electrolyte balance. Evidence has now been accumulated that in addition to angiotensin (Ang) II other Ang peptides [Ang III, Ang I V and Ang-(1-7)], formed in the limited proteolysis processing of angiotens inogen, are importantly involved in mediating several actions of the RAS. I n this article we will review our knowledge of the biological actions of An g-(1-7) with focus on the puzzling aspects of the mediation of its effects and the interaction Ang-(1-7)-kinins. In addition, we will attempt to summa rize the evidence that Ang-(1-7) takes an important part of the mechanisms aimed to counteract the vasoconstrictor and proliferative effects of Ang II . (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.