effects

Last reviewed 01/2018

Angiotensin II has a number of individual effects which tend to act to restore plasma volume and blood pressure.

Central nervous system:

• stimulation of circulatory centre with resulting increase in sympathetic outflow and vasoconstriction
• stimulation of hypothalamus to:
• lower threshold for release of ADH
• increase thirst
• increase desire for salt

Cardiovascular system:

• extremely potent vasoconstrictor, particularly of efferent capillaries
• minimal effect on normal blood pressure homeostasis, but may have a role in maintaining the glomerular filtration rate - see below

Renal:

• stimulates sodium reabsorption in proximal convoluted tubule
• possible local feedback loop whereby an increasing salt concentration through the proximal convoluted tubule would lead to increased circulating angiotensin II. Angiotensin II constricts the afferent arteriole to cause a decreased glomerular filtration rate.
• raises threshold for renin secretion into afferent arterioles - negative feedback

Adrenal cortex:

• stimulates aldosterone secretion

These peripheral effects of angiotensin II may be minimized by angiotensin receptor antagonists such as losartan.