A BLOOD PRESSURE regulating system of interacting components that include RENIN; ANGIOTENSINOGEN; ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME; ANGIOTENSIN I; ANGIOTENSIN II; and angiotensinase. Renin, an enzyme produced in the kidney, acts on angiotensinogen, an alpha-2 globulin produced by the liver, forming ANGIOTENSIN I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, contained in the lung, acts on angiotensin I in the plasma converting it to ANGIOTENSIN II, an extremely powerful vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II causes contraction of the arteriolar and renal VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE, leading to retention of salt and water in the KIDNEY and increased arterial blood pressure. In addition, angiotensin II stimulates the release of ALDOSTERONE from the ADRENAL CORTEX, which in turn also increases salt and water retention in the kidney. Angiotensin-converting enzyme also breaks down BRADYKININ, a powerful vasodilator and component of the KALLIKREIN-KININ SYSTEM.

Descriptor ID	D012084
MeSH Number(s)	G03.820 G09.330.380.813
Concept/Terms	Renin-Angiotensin System Renin-Angiotensin System Renin Angiotensin System System, Renin-Angiotensin Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System System, Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone

Below are MeSH descriptors whose meaning is more general than "Renin-Angiotensin System".

Below are MeSH descriptors whose meaning is related to "Renin-Angiotensin System".

Below are MeSH descriptors whose meaning is more specific than "Renin-Angiotensin System".