[Vasoactive substance and vascular remodeling].

Vascular remodeling is characterized by the dysfunction of endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and migration, and the increased accumulation of extracellular matrix. Angiotensin II causes SMC growth and migration, and stimulates the expression of vascular remodeling-related genes. Angiotensin II activates a diversity of intracellular signal transduction cascades, and transactivation of epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptors via AT1 receptor seems to be responsible for the development of vascular remodeling. Not only angiotensin II but also endothelin-1, nitric oxide, c-type natriuretic peptide and adrenomedullin play an important role in the development of vascular remodeling.