Interactions between the renin-angiotensin system, nitric oxide and endothelin

The renin-angiotensin system plays a major role in the regulation of blood pressure and sodium balance. Nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET-1) are involved in the regulation of renin release and modulate the vasoconstrictive and fibrogenic effects of angiotensin ii. the mechanisms that activate renin production are less effective when endogenous NO synthesis is inhibited. In the absence of NO, ET-1 prevents renin secretion. Angiotensin II stimulates the production of NO and ET-1 by endothelial cells. The vascular effects of angiotensin ii are inhibited by NO reinforced by ET-1. The stimulation of ET-1 secretion could partly explain the long-term effects of angiotensin II on vascular remodelling.