Renin Angiotensin System and the Heart

Book excerpt: Recent studies have shown that the heart possesses an intrinsic renin angiotensin system that is controlled by tissue-specific parameters that are activated by biomechanical stress. This book reviews the latest information on the way in which both the plasma and cardiac renin angiotensin systems affect heart function. It covers the cell and molecular biology of these systems, with contributions on renin synthesis, uptake and the intracellular signalling pathways. Particular insight comes from transgenic mouse models in which either mouse or human genes for various components of the renin angiotensin system are expressed. Other topics covered include wound healing as well as the trophic effects of aldosterone. Contains the most recent findings on the renin angiotensin system and the heart Written by an international team of distinguished scientists Covers both the cellular and molecular basis of the renin angiotensin system and the clinical relevance of this research