Renin-Angiotensin Kit
1
How Low BP is Raised:
The renal-angiotensin system
 Angiotensinogen is made by the liver and released into the blood.
 When baroreceptors detect low blood pressure, the kidney releases
an enzyme called renin.
 Renin cuts angiotensinogen into angiotensin-1 (A1), which travels
through blood to the pulmonary capillary bed, where lung cells have
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) that cuts A1 into A2 (the
active form).
 A2 then causes vasoconstriction of the peripheral blood vessels so
the body’s blood will pool up to the core organs.
 Also, these high levels of A2 stimulates the adrenal cortex to
make more aldosterone, and also stimulates the posterior pituitary
gland to release ADH. These events will raise the blood pressure.
 When blood pressure is too high, the patient might be given an ACE
inhibitor such as Captopril, or a renin inhibitor such as Aliskiren, or
2
an A2 antagonist, such as Azilsartan.
ALDOSTERONE
WATER
Al Capone’s cousin!
RENIN
ADH
SALT
ACE
ANGIOTENSINOGEN
A1
ReninAngiotensin Kit
A2
3