Angiotensin-Sensitive Sites in the Central Nervous System

Abstract

The classical view that peptide hormones have singular functions has had to be modified because it has become clear that peptides not only have multiple effects but are also widely distributed throughout the body. Since Bickerton and Buckley (1) demonstrated that angiotensin can act directly on the brain we have begun to realize how much more needs to be known about the interaction between the brain and the periphery. Angiotensin injected directly into the brain can induce an increase in blood pressure, vasopressin release and a remarkable drinking behaviour. Multiple physiological effects have been reported to be mediated by hypothalamic and circumventricular structures (2). The evidence so far implies that angiotensin is formed intracellularly and is concentrated in nerve terminals (3). The presence of angiotensin receptors in the brain implies that the peptide produces a physiological response. By defining these receptors we should eventually be able to study such diverse processes as thirst motivation and hypertension.