angiotensin ii
A doctor points to a diagram showing how angiotensin II affects blood vessels.
Noun: A potent vasopressor agent formed from angiotensin I. It is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. It also stimulates the release of another hormone, aldosterone, which promotes sodium and water retention in the body.
Angiotensin II is used as a singular noun, typically in scientific, medical, and physiological contexts to refer to this specific peptide hormone. - It is often discussed in relation to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. - The term is used without alteration in plural contexts (e.g., levels of angiotensin II).
- Medical Context:
- The drug works by blocking the receptors that angiotensin II binds to.
- High levels of angiotensin II can contribute to hypertension.
- Physiological Context:
- Angiotensin II is a key component in the body's mechanism for maintaining blood pressure.
- The formation of angiotensin II is a crucial step in the renin-angiotensin system.
- Research & Pharmacology: The term is central to discussions about cardiovascular diseases and drug development. For example, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are common drug classes that target this hormone's pathway.
- Measurement: Often quantified in scientific studies (e.g., ).
- Angiotensin I: The precursor peptide from which angiotensin II is formed.
- Angiotensin: The general term for these related peptides.
- Angiotensinogen: The protein precursor from which all angiotensins are derived.
- Hypertensin (an older, less common synonym).
- Ang II (a common abbreviation in medical and scientific literature).
- Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS): The regulatory system in which angiotensin II is a primary effector.
- Vasoconstriction: The action of narrowing blood vessels, a primary effect of angiotensin II.
- Aldosterone secretion: A key physiological action stimulated by angiotensin II.
A doctor points to a diagram showing how angiotensin II affects blood vessels.
- a potent vasopressor agent formed from angiotensin I