An intracellular renin-angiotensin system in neurons: Fact, hypothesis, or fantasy

Abstract

The renin-angiotensin system in the brain acts to regulate a number of physiological processes. Evidence suggests that angiotensin peptides may act as neurotransmitters, although their biosynthetic pathways are poorly understood. We review evidence for neuronal production of angiotensin peptides and hypothesize that angiotensin may be synthesized intracellularly in neurons. ©2008 Int. Union Physiol. Sci./Am. Physiol. Soc.