Plasma hemopexin as a potential regulator of vascular responsiveness to angiotensin II

Reprod Sci. 2013 Mar;20(3):234-7. doi: 10.1177/1933719112446081. Epub 2012 May 17.

Abstract

This brief review focuses on the functional activities of plasma hemopexin recently recognized by several authors. In particular, the protease-like activity of hemopexin in vitro is linked with downregulation of the vascular angiotensin II receptor in vivo, leading to vascular expansion. Also a potential mechanism of inhibition of hemopexin activity by extracellular adenosine triphosphate is considered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin II / blood*
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Hemopexin / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • Vasoconstriction / physiology*
  • Vasodilation / physiology*

Substances

  • Angiotensin II
  • Hemopexin