Angiotensin: The Mighty Hormone That Regulates Blood Pressure and Kidney Function
Introduction Angiotensin is a peptide hormone that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. It is produced by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which consists of a series of enzymatic reactions that convert angiotensinogen, a protein produced by the liver, into angiotensin I and then into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is the most active form of angiotensin and has several effects on the cardiovascular system, such as: Constricting blood vessels and increasing blood pressure Stimulating the release of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium and water retention by the kidneys Increasing thirst and salt appetite Enhancing sympathetic nervous system activity and cardiac contractility Angiotensin II also acts as a negative feedback mechanism to inhibit the production of renin, the enzyme that initiates the RAS. The RAS is activated by various stimuli, such as low blood pressure, low blood volume, low sodium concentration, or high