Proinflammatory actions of angiotensins

Many experimental data have suggested that the renin-angiotensin system par ticipates in immune and inflammatory responses. Angiotensin II is involved in several steps of the inflammatory process: mononuclear cells respond to angiotensin II stimulation (cell proliferation and chemotaxis); angiotensin II regulates the recruitment of proinflammatory cells into the site of inj ury (mediated by the expression of vascular permeability factors, adhesion molecules and chemokines by resident cells); inflammatory cells can produce angiotensin II, and might therefore contribute to the perpetuation of tiss ue damage. In this review, we summarize the proinflammatory properties of a ngiotensin II, to demonstrate the novel role of this vasoactive peptide as a true cytokine. We will show the information obtained as a result of the p harmacological blockade of the renin angiotensin system, which has demonstr ated that this system is involved in immune and inflammatory diseases. In t his aspect, we discuss the molecular mechanism of angiotensin Ii-induced ti ssue damage, as well as its contribution to the pathogenesis of several dis eases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and renal damage, showing th at angiotensin II plays an active role in the inflammatory response of thes e diseases, Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 10:321-329 (C) 2001 Lippincott Will iams & Wilkins.