Angiotensins
| Definition: |
Oligopeptides ranging in size from angiotensin precursors with 14 amino acids to the active vasoconstrictor angiotensin II with 8 amino acids, or their analogs or derivatives. The amino acid content varies with the species and changes in that content produce antagonistic or inactive compounds. |
| Previously Indexed: |
Angiotensin II (1966-1977),Angiotensin III (1977) |
Angiotensins Categories.
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Angiotensin I - The decapeptide precursor of ANGIOTENSIN II, generated by the action of renin on angiotensinogen. It has limited pharmacologic activity. |
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Angiotensin II - The active form of angiotensin. An octapeptide found in blood, it is synthesized from ANGIOTENSIN I and quickly destroyed. Angiotensin II causes profound vasoconstriction with a resulting increase in blood pressure. It differs among species by the amino acid in position 5. The human form has ISOLEUCINE in this position. The clinically and experimentally used bovine form has VALINE in position 5. |
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Angiotensin III - A heptapeptide formed by the enzymatic hydrolysis of ANGIOTENSIN II. It has greater activity than angiotensin II for stimulating aldosterone synthesis and in the release of prostaglandins but only 20% of the pressor activity. |
Angiotensins Definitions and Terms
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