Angiotensin I – Neuroscience Peptides

The renin angiotensin system (RAS), consists of many angiotensin peptides involved in regulating functions such as blood pressure, cardiovascular function and energy balance. RAS activity is elevated in obesity and RAS is widely studied in relation to lifestyle-related diseases. Angiotensin I (Ang-I), is the first angiotensin to be produced upon activation of the RAS system. It is produced by the cleavage of angiotensinogen (AGT), catalysed by the aspartylprotease, renin. The dicarboxyl-peptidase angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), then removes two amino acids from the C-terminus of Ang-I to form angiotensin II (Ang-II), and His-Leu. Ang-I is also converted to Ang-II by chymase, especially in the human heart. The chymase pathway is important in inflammatory conditions.