Is there a role of the local tissue RAS in the regulation of physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions in the reproductive tract?

J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst. 2011 Dec;12(4):385-93. doi: 10.1177/1470320311418140. Epub 2011 Aug 8.

Abstract

The renin-angiotensin system is well known as a systemic endocrine pathway that regulates blood pressure and salt-water metabolism. In addition to the systemic renin-angiotensin system there is evidence in different species for the presence of a local tissue renin-angiotensin system, which allows local production of the bioactive peptides angiotensin II and angiotensin (1-7). The local renin-angiotensin system has been found in a variety of tissues including tissue of the human reproductive tract. Thus, it was suspected that it may have important functions in the local hormonal microenvironment. Here, a systematic literature search was undertaken to review whether there is evidence for regulatory functions of the local tissue renin-angiotensin system in the human reproductive tract under physiological and pathological conditions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genitalia / physiology*
  • Genitalia / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / physiology*