Peripheral Effects of Angiotensin on the Autonomic Nervous System

Abstract

An important link between neurogenic and renal factors in the genesis of renal hypertension is probably to be found in the multiple actions of angiotensin on the peripheral autonomic nervous system. It is remarkable that discovery of these actions commenced only after 20 years of study of the well-known direct vasoconstrictor action of angiotensin. There was one exception, and this was the first clear demonstration that angiotensin has a direct action on the peripheral autonomic nervous system. In 1940, Braun-Menéndez et al. provided convincing evidence in cross-transfusion experiments that angiotensin can cause adrenal medullary discharge. Release of adrenal catecholamines by angiotensin receives thorough treatment in Chapter 20. The subject was then to lie dormant until recent years when the action of angiotensin on the autonomic nervous system attracted the interest of many investigators and new information is now accruing rapidly. Unfortunately, it is still too early to assess whether or not these newly discovered actions of angiotensin play an important physiologic role in cardiovascular regulation.