angiotensin

American  

[an-jee-oh-ten-sin] / ˌæn dʒi oʊˈtɛn sɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of three oligopeptides occurring in plasma, an inactive form angiotensin I and two varieties angiotensin II and angiotensin III that elevate blood pressure and stimulate the adrenal cortex to secrete aldosterone.

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angiotensin British  

/ ˌændʒɪəˈtɛnsɪn /

noun

1. a peptide of physiological importance that is capable of causing constriction of blood vessels, which raises blood pressure

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angiotensin Scientific  

/ ăn′jē-ō-tĕn′sĭn /

1. Any of three polypeptide hormones that function in the body in controlling arterial pressure. The most important is known as angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor that stimulates steroid production by the adrenal glands, reduces fluid loss from the kidneys, and also functions as a neurotransmitter. Angiotensin II is formed from inactive angiotensin I by the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (or ACE).

2. See also ACE inhibitor renin

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Etymology

Origin of angiotensin

1960–65; probably blend of angiotonin + hypertensin , earlier names for the substances

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

angiotensin

One medication already used to treat hypertension, losartan, inhibits the angiotensin receptor.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 24, 2025

However, the protein also negatively regulates the renin-angiotensin system which generates angiotensin II, a hormone that raises blood pressure in a number of ways, including by the constriction of blood vessels.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2023

By feeding rats the engineered Lactobacillus paracasei bacterium as a probiotic, researchers were able to introduce human ACE2 in their guts, which specifically reduced their gut angiotensin II and, in turn, lowered their blood pressure.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2023

Renin, which is secreted by part of the juxtaglomerular complex, acts on angiotensin to form angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II by ACE.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin, which is then converted to angiotensin I by ACE.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022