[Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the bowel]. / Reniini-angiotensiinijärjestelmä (RAS) suolessa - mitä se siellä?

The significance of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in blood pressure regulation is indisputable. In addition to the heart and circulatory system, its components have recently been shown to be expressed also in the digestive tract, pancreas, brain and eyes, raising the idea that the significance of RAS for the functions of the body may be much more complex than currently thought. Its effects in the digestive tract could involve regulation of smooth muscle of the blood vessels and bowel, changes in permeability of the gut mucosa, or functioning as a digestive enzyme.