NEW RESEARCHES IN SERUM ANGIOTENSIN APPLIED TO EQUINE MEDICINE AND SCIENCE

MUÑOZ A, RIBER C, CASTEJON C, TRIGO P, SATUE K, CASTEJÓN F.

ANGIOTENSIN

Nova Publishers

Año: 2010; p. 1 - 50

p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; } Angiotensin is a potent vasoconstrictor, stimulates Na reabsorption by the kidneys and regulates the release of aldosterone and arginine vasopressin. Increased serum angiotensin concentrations have been found in congestive heart failure and chronic kidney failure in horses. Although the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) protects these organs, prolonged ischemia and direct insult from angiotensin exacerbate damage. Angiotensin has mitogenic capacity, with synthesis and release of cytokines and growth factors. Therefore, the administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (IACE) is under study in horses. Another interesting research idea is the relationship between angiotensin, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This paper is divided into five sections. The first one makes a brief description of the main physiological functions of angiotensin and the RAAS. The second reviews the importance of RAAS in heart and kidney failure, with special relevance in the horse. The third describes the potential use of IACE in horses. The forth presents our current knowledge of the hormonal response in horses with hypovolemia and finally, the fifth section gives some indications about future directions for research on angiotensin in equine medicine.