Prostaglandin-mediated actions of the renin-angiotensin system.

The adequate biological function of the renin-angiotensin system in blood pressure regulation and volume control involves additional factors for a fully balanced response. This includes arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators, the eicosanoids. Angiotensin II (Ang II) causes (AT1)-receptor mediated stimulation of phospholipase C, resulting in generation of IP3 (inositol triphosphate) and activation of protein kinase C, elevated cytosolic Ca+ and stimulation phospholipase A2. These processes culminate in the generation of cell-specific eicosanoids and their autocrine action on the generating cell or paracrine effects on cells in the vicinity. In vascular tissue, liberated arachidonic acid is mainly converted into vasodilator prostaglandins, i.e. prostacyclin (PGI2) and PGE2. These prostaglandins may attenuate any direct Ang II-induced vasoconstriction, lower systemic vascular resistance and stimulate renal sodium excretion. In some vessels, arachidonic acid released by Ang II may also be converted to vasoconstrictor eicosanoids, i.e. thromboxane A2, PGF2 alpha and 12-HETE. The biological significance of endogenous eicosanoid generation becomes evident if vasoactive eicosanoids become limiting factors for maintaining homoiostasis, i.e. in the fetal circulation, Bartter's syndrome and congestive heart failure where vasodilating eicosanoids (PGE2, PGI2) are involved in maintenance of low vascular resistance and reduced or absent vasoconstriction by Ang II. Vasoconstrictor eicosanoids (thromboxane A2, PGF2 alpha, 12-HETE) contribute to high blood pressure in (renovascular) hypertension and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Alternatively, generation of vasodilator prostaglandins may be reduced in these situations. The vascular renin-angiotensin system is subject to the action of a number of drugs and chemicals, most notably specific inhibitors of the angiotensin-converging enzyme and drugs affecting kidney function (furosemide) and/or vessel tone (propranolol).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)