Metabolic rate regulation by the renin–angiotensin system: brain vs. body

JL Grobe, K Rahmouni, X Liu, CD Sigmund - Pflügers Archiv-European …, 2013 - Springer
Pflügers Archiv-European Journal of Physiology, 2013Springer
Substantial evidence supports a role for the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the
regulation of metabolic function, but an apparent paradox exists where genetic or
pharmacological inhibition of the RAS occasionally has similar physiological effects as
chronic angiotensin infusion. Similarly, while RAS targeting in animal models has robust
metabolic consequences, effects in humans are more subtle. Here, we review the data
supporting a role for the RAS in metabolic rate regulation and propose a model where the …
Abstract
Substantial evidence supports a role for the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the regulation of metabolic function, but an apparent paradox exists where genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the RAS occasionally has similar physiological effects as chronic angiotensin infusion. Similarly, while RAS targeting in animal models has robust metabolic consequences, effects in humans are more subtle. Here, we review the data supporting a role for the RAS in metabolic rate regulation and propose a model where the local brain RAS works in opposition to the peripheral RAS, thus helping to explain the paradoxically similar effects of RAS supplementation and inhibition. Selectively modulating the peripheral RAS or brain RAS may thus provide a more effective treatment paradigm for obesity and obesity-related disorders.
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