Angiotensin-(1-7): Blood, Heart, and Blood Vessels

In the past few years, there has been a growing interest in the heptapeptide Angiotensin(Ang)-(1-7), mainly because of its ability to counter regulate many of Ang II actions. Furthermore, heart and blood vessels are important target tissues for Ang-(1-7) formation and actions. The introduction of novel tools, such as the Ang-(1-7) antagonists, A-779 and D-pro7-Ang-(1-7), the Ang-(1-7) agonist AVE 0991, transgenic rats TGR(A-1-7)3292, and use of liposome-encapsulated Ang-(1-7) for evaluating the biochemical and functional role of Ang-(1-7), have produced a great impact in this field of research. Moreover, the recent identification of the Ang-(1-7)-forming enzyme ACE2 and of the Ang-(1-7) receptor Mas will allow important advances in our understanding of the physiological and pathological role of this peptide. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge concerning the biological effects of Ang-(1-7) in the blood, heart, and blood vessels. In addition, we will highlight the possible applications of agonists of its receptor as therapeutic agents in cardiovascular and related diseases.