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The Protective Arms of the Renin-Angiontensin System in Stroke

  • Hypertension and the Kidney (R Carey, Section Editor)
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Abstract

It is quite well established that activation of the so-called protective arms of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), involving both AT2 and Mas receptors, provides a counter-regulatory role to AT1 receptor overactivity that may drive pathological changes in the cardiovascular system. In this brief review, we will focus on recent evidence that identifies at least three different pathways that may be effective in the setting of stroke and may be complementary with AT1 receptor blockade. Such mechanisms include AT2 receptor stimulation, Mas receptor stimulation and insulin-regulated aminopeptidase blockade. This report highlights recent data demonstrating striking neuroprotective effects in preclinical models of stroke targeting each of these pathways, which may pave the way for translational opportunities in this field.

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Acknowledgement

Part of this work was funded by grants from the CASS foundation and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (APP1007986).

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Conflict of Interest

Claudia A. McCarthy and Lachlan J. Facey declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Robert E. Widdop has received peer-funded research grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and also the CASS Foundation.

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This article contains studies with animal subjects performed by the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia

    Claudia A. McCarthy, Lachlan J. Facey & Robert E. Widdop

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  1. Claudia A. McCarthy
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  2. Lachlan J. Facey
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  3. Robert E. Widdop
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Correspondence to Robert E. Widdop.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Hypertension and the Kidney

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McCarthy, C.A., Facey, L.J. & Widdop, R.E. The Protective Arms of the Renin-Angiontensin System in Stroke. Curr Hypertens Rep 16, 440 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-014-0440-1

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