Angiotensin II and aldosterone regulation.

The circulating renin-angiotensin system is a major regulator of the secretion of the adrenocortical hormone, aldosterone. This renin-angiotensin aldosterone system is important in the control of salt and water balance and blood pressure. This review describes the historical background leading to the discovery of aldosterone in the 1950s and the recognition in the 1960s that angiotensin II was involved in its control. Although angiotensin II is important in the regulation of aldosterone secretion, its action is influenced by multiple other factors, especially potassium and atrial natriuretic peptide. In addition to the circulating renin-angiotensin system, a local renin-angiotensin system is present in the zona glomerulosa cell. This local system also appears to be involved in the regulation of aldosterone production. The mechanism by which angiotensin II stimulates the adrenal zona glomerulosa cell is described in some detail. Angiotensin II interacts with the angiotensin receptor (AT1) membrane receptor that is coupled to cellular second messengers. Specific AT1 receptor antagonists are now clinically used to block angiotensin II's action on various target organs, including the adrenal gland.

A review of the renin-angiotensin system: historical and methodological perspectives.

It is apparent that early studies of the renin-AII system utilized measurement of blood pressure and organ bath techniques. More recent methods of electrophoresis, RIA and binding studies are continuing to add to our knowledge. Future studies will involve receptor isolation and understanding of the post-receptor mechanism of transduction of the AII response. With the recent advances in our knowledge of peptide hormone-receptor interaction, particularly new findings that peptide hormones can enter the cell, it is apparent that intracellular actions of AII will provide a new field of discovery.