New components of the renin-angiotensin system: alamandine and the MAS-related G protein-coupled receptor D.

The renin-angiotensin system is an important component of the central and humoral mechanisms of blood pressure and hydro-electrolytic balance control. Angiotensin II is a key player of this system. Twenty-five years ago the first manuscripts describing the formation and actions of another peptide of the RAS, angiotensin-(1-7), were published.

Do the cardiovascular effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I involve ACE-independent mechanisms? new insights from proline-rich peptides of Bothrops jararaca.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were developed based on proline-rich oligopeptides found in the venom of Bothrops jararaca (Bj) previously known as bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs). However, the exact mechanism of action of BPPs remains unclear. The role of the ACE in the cardiovascular effects of two of naturally proline-rich oligopeptides (Bj-BPP-7a and Bj-BPP-10c) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo.