Angiotensin II regulates 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 via AT2 receptors.

Background: In preeclampsia, cortisol degradation by the enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) is compromised, which enhances intracellular cortisol availability. This leads to vasoconstriction and renal sodium retention with volume expansion, thus increasing blood pressure. An augmented availability of angiotensin II (Ang II) predisposes to preeclampsia.

Fluid Shear Stress Reduces 11ss-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2.

-In pregnancy, invading trophoblasts represent the inner vascular border of maternal spiral arteries and are exposed to elevated shear stress (ss) in hypertensive disorders. Intracellular cortisol availability is regulated by 11ss-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11ss-HSDs), thus determining body fluid volume and vascular responses. The impact of ss on 11ss-HSD2 activity was studied in the human JEG-3 cell line, a model for trophoblasts.