Angiotensin II

Secretion of renin into the bloodstream from cells of the glomerular apparatus glomerular apparatus of the kidneys initiates the activation of a cascade of enzyme-hormonal cascade known as the RAA system (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone). As a result of several related mechanisms, blood pressure is raised. Due to the the enormous range of action of angiotensin II (Ang-2), the main effector of the RAA system, abnormalities in its functioning cause numerous consequences. Excessive activation of the system is accompanied by chronic inflammation, as Ang-2 stimulates pro-inflammatory mediators. What follows is activation of degenerative and atherosclerotic processes. Disruption of RAA system balance is associated with the most common diseases of civilization, such as diseases of the cardiovascular or diabetes, as well as kidney disease, pre-eclampsia, osteoporosis and even neurodegenerative diseases Quantitative determination of angiotensin II in the blood is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.