Year: 2019
Type: review
Abstract: Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors and a leading cause of death from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Based on numerous previous studies, hypertension is thought to be caused by the complex mutual interactions of genetic factors and environmental factors, such as excessive salt intake and stress. However, its detailed mechanisms are not yet clearly understood. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a key hormonal system in the pathogenesis of hypertension. New knowledge is still accruing on this cascade, even after more than 120 years since the discovery of renin. To clarify the molecular mechanisms of RAS in vivo, we created transgenic mice with chronic hypertension. These mice carry the human genes encoding renin, a hypertensive enzyme, and its substrate angiotensinogen. Hypotensive mice homozygous for a targeted disruption of the angiotensinogen gene were also created. This review presents our 47-year history of RAS research.
Authors: Eriko Takimoto-Ohnishi, Kazuo Murakami
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,140
Funders: Fumi Yamamura Memorial Foundation for Female Natural Scientists, Inamori Foundation, Mochida Memorial Foundation for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, University of Tsukuba, Kanae Foundation for the Promotion of Medical Science, Nissan Global Foundation, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
OpenAlex ID: W2940798203