Respuesta :
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a vital hormonal pathway responsible for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. It begins with the secretion of renin, an enzyme produced by specialized kidney cells in response to low blood pressure or reduced blood flow to the kidneys. When renin enters the bloodstream, it acts on angiotensinogen, a precursor protein produced by the liver. Renin cleaves angiotensinogen to form angiotensin I, an inactive peptide. The pivotal step in activating the RAAS and influencing blood pressure is the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). ACE is predominantly located in the lungs and blood vessels. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, causing blood vessels to constrict and leading to increased peripheral resistance, which in turn raises blood pressure. Additionally, angiotensin II stimulates the adrenal glands to release aldosterone, which acts on the kidneys to enhance sodium and water reabsorption from urine into the bloodstream. This retention of sodium and water boosts blood volume and subsequently blood pressure. In essence, ACE plays a crucial role in the RAAS by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor that elevates blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and triggering aldosterone release. This pathway is essential for maintaining blood pressure within a normal range and regulating fluid balance in response to changes in blood flow and pressure. Dysregulation of the RAAS can contribute to various health issues including hypertension and heart failure.
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a key hormonal pathway that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance within the body. It all starts with the release of renin from specialized kidney cells in response to low blood pressure or reduced blood flow to the kidneys. Renin then acts on angiotensinogen, a protein produced by the liver, converting it into angiotensin I. This angiotensin I is further transformed into angiotensin II by the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), mainly found in the lungs and blood vessels. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, causing blood vessels to constrict and increasing peripheral resistance, ultimately leading to elevated blood pressure. Moreover, angiotensin II triggers the adrenal glands to release aldosterone. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to boost the reabsorption of sodium and water, resulting in increased blood volume and further raising blood pressure. In essence, ACE plays a critical role in the RAAS by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
