ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews some of the evidence on the role of the renin-angiotensin system in hypertension as a background to the use of agents which block the action of the system. Emphasis has been placed on recent advances and topics of current or potential pharmacological importance. The biological activity of the renin-angiotensin system results from a series of specific enzymatic cleavages of polypeptide precursors leading to the generation of angiotensin II and related peptides. The section on the enzyme, renin, includes recent reports on purification of the enzyme since increased knowledge of the enzyme could lead to advances in modifying its action. Angiotensin II has been traditionally regarded as the biologically active end-product of the renin-angiotensin system. Inactive renin measured by acid activation comprised approximately 60 to 80% of total circulating renin in man and was also secreted by a kidney with a stenosed renal artery.
