Involvement of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Stress: State of the Art and Research Perspectives

Abstract

: Along with other canonical systems, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has shown essential roles in stress. This system is a complex regulatory proteolytic cascade composed of various enzymes, peptides, and receptors. Besides the classical (ACE/Ang II/AT 1 receptor) and the counter-regulatory (ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor) RAS axes, evidence indicates that non-classical components, including Ang III, Ang IV, AT 2, and AT 4, can also be involved in stress. Objective and methods: This comprehensive review summarizes the current knowledge on the participation of RAS components in different adverse environmental stimuli stressors, including air-jet stress, cage switch stress, restraint stress, chronic unpredictable stress, neonatal isolation stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Results and conclusion: In general, activating the classical RAS axis potentiates stress-related cardiovascular, endocrine, and behavioral responses, while the stimulation of the counter-regulatory axis attenuates these effects. Pharmacological modulation in both axes is optimistic, offering promising perspectives for stress-related disorders treatment. In this regard, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are potential candidates already available because they block the classical axis, activate the counter-regulatory axis, and are safe and efficient drugs.

Stress and Workload Assessment in Aviation—A Narrative Review

“…First, the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis characterizes the so-called slow response. Second, the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is known to be involved with a complex cascade [ 11 ]. Lastly, the autonomic nervous system (ANS), in particular the sympatho–adrenomedullary axis, is the most responsible for the fast response.…”

Τhe neuroprotective role of environmental enrichment against behavioral, morphological, neuroendocrine and molecular changes following chronic unpredictable mild stress: A systematic review

“…The levels of circulating Ang II are dependent on the type and duration of stress, as well as the degree of RAS activation at the time of stress (Arnold et al, 2012). Increased Ang II levels after stress may contribute to cardiovascular and neurological disorders (Correa et al, 2022).…”