All the components of the classic renin–angiotensin system (RAS) have been identified in the brain. Today, the RAS is considered to be composed mainly of two axes: the pressor axis, represented by angiotensin (Ang) II/angiotensin-converting enzyme/AT1 receptors, and the depressor and protective one, represented by Ang-(1–7)/ angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/Mas receptors. Although the RAS exerts a pivotal role on electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure regulation, their components are also implicated in higher brain functions, including cognition, memory, anxiety and depression, and several neurological disorders. Overactivity of the pressor axis of the RAS has been implicated in stroke and several brain disorders, such as cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer or Parkinson’s disease. The present review is focused on the role of the protective axis of the RAS in brain disorders beyond its effects on blood pressure regulation. Furthermore, the use of drugs targeting centrally RAS and its beneficial effects on brain disorders are also discussed.
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May 2018
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Depiction of a macrophage. In issue 9 of Clinical science, Liu et al. discuss the role of miRNAs in alveolar macrophage activation; for details see pages 943–958.
Review Article|
May 25 2018
The depressor axis of the renin–angiotensin system and brain disorders: a translational approach
Mariela M. Gironacci;
Mariela M. Gironacci
1Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Augusto Vicario;
Augusto Vicario
2Unidad Corazón-Cerebro, Servicio de Epidemiología y Prevención Cardiovascular, Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires (ICBA), Argentina
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Gustavo Cerezo;
Gustavo Cerezo
2Unidad Corazón-Cerebro, Servicio de Epidemiología y Prevención Cardiovascular, Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires (ICBA), Argentina
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Mauro G. Silva
1Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Correspondence: Mariela M. Gironacci (mariela@qb.ffyb.uba.ar)
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
February 28 2018
Revision Received:
April 19 2018
Accepted:
April 23 2018
Online ISSN: 1470-8736
Print ISSN: 0143-5221
© 2018 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society
2018
Clin Sci (Lond) (2018) 132 (10): 1021–1038.
Article history
Received:
February 28 2018
Revision Received:
April 19 2018
Accepted:
April 23 2018
Citation
Mariela M. Gironacci, Augusto Vicario, Gustavo Cerezo, Mauro G. Silva; The depressor axis of the renin–angiotensin system and brain disorders: a translational approach. Clin Sci (Lond) 31 May 2018; 132 (10): 1021–1038. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20180189
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