Phenomena and Processes

Renin-Angiotensin System

A BLOOD PRESSURE regulating system of interacting components that include RENIN; ANGIOTENSINOGEN; ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME; ANGIOTENSIN I; ANGIOTENSIN II; and angiotensinase. Renin, an enzyme produced in the kidney, acts on angiotensinogen, an alpha-2 globulin produced by the liver, forming ANGIOTENSIN I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, contained in the lung, acts on angiotensin I in the plasma converting it to ANGIOTENSIN II, an extremely powerful vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II causes contraction of the arteriolar and renal VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE, leading to retention of salt and water in the KIDNEY and increased arterial blood pressure. In addition, angiotensin II stimulates the release of ALDOSTERONE from the ADRENAL CORTEX, which in turn also increases salt and water retention in the kidney. Angiotensin-converting enzyme also breaks down BRADYKININ, a powerful vasodilator and component of the KALLIKREIN-KININ SYSTEM.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A BLOOD PRESSURE regulating system of interacting components that include RENIN; ANGIOTENSINOGEN; ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME; ANGIOTENSIN I; ANGIOTENSIN II; and angiotensinase. Renin, an enzyme produced in the kidney, acts on angiotensinogen, an alpha-2 globulin produced by the liver, forming ANGIOTENSIN I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, contained in the lung, acts on angiotensin I in the plasma converting it to ANGIOTENSIN II, an extremely powerful vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II causes contraction of the arteriolar and renal VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE, leading to retention of salt and water in the KIDNEY and increased arterial blood pressure. In addition, angiotensin II stimulates the release of ALDOSTERONE from the ADRENAL CORTEX, which in turn also increases salt and water retention in the kidney. Angiotensin-converting enzyme also breaks down BRADYKININ, a powerful vasodilator and component of the KALLIKREIN-KININ SYSTEM.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

5 entry terms
  • Renin Angiotensin System
  • System, Renin-Angiotensin
  • Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
  • Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System
  • System, Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

5 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

note entry term but do not index under ALDOSTERONE unless particularly discussed

MeSH Record

History Note

82

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Angiotensin II (1966-1981)
  • Renin (1966-1981)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. G03w.820w
  2. G09.330.380w.813w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Renin-Angiotensin System. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D012084. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D012084
  2. Renin-Angiotensin System. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renin%E2%80%93angiotensin_system
  3. Renin-Angiotensin System. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q898218