New insights of brain renin-angiotensin system far beyond blood pressure: central angiotensin II as a key modulator in the stress response and amphetamine induced-neuroadaptations

MARCHESE NA; RODRIGUEZ IARA; OCCHIEPO V; PAZ MC; BAIARDI, G; BREGONZIO C

Revista Farmacología de Chile

Sociedad Farmacologia de Chile

Año: 2014 vol. 7 p. 18 - 26

0718-882X

Angiotensin II is known as a peripheral hormone involved in the control of blood pressure and fluids homeostasis. The study and characterization of angiotensin II and its receptors at the brain has opened a new vision of its physiological role and also offers a variety of research fields. Brain angiotensin II is a well-documented neuromodulator of multiple brain circuits. In this sense, angiotensin II is involved in the stress response and both, the brain and the peripheral (hormonal), angiotensin II systems are stimulated during stress. Activation of brain angiotensin II AT1 receptors is required for the stress-induced hormone secretion, including corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticoids and vasopressin and for stimulation of the central sympathetic activity. The blockade of peripheral but also brain AT1 receptors prevents the hormonal and sympathoadrenal response to stress. Moreover, AT1 receptors activation is involved in natural reward responses and in the regulation of some responses induced by drugs of abuse such as cocaine, amphetamine, alcohol, among others. Exposure to amphetamine induces neuroadaptations that modify behavioral responses to future pharmacological or environmental challenges. It is important to consider that studies on the physiological role of brain Ang II offer new pharmacological tools for the treatment of stress and psychostimulants? related disorders.