[Humoral mechanisms in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension with emphasis on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and natriuretic substances].

The author reviews contemporary views on the pathogenetic participation of selected humoral factors (of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, natriuretic hormone and atrial natriuretic factor) in the development of arterial hypertension in humans. Hypertension may be due to absolute or relative excess of factors with a pressor and antinatriuretic action or to deficiency of depressor and natriuretic substances. In essential hypertension and the majority of other types of hypertension the position is more complicated. Humoral substances are there involved in a complex way in dynamic interaction with other genetic, nervous, cardiovascular and other mechanisms. Investigation of humoral substances has helped to elucidate the causes of endocrine-hypertension, to expand our knowledge on the multifactorial genesis of essential hypertension, to differentiate its subtypes, and it led also practical therapeutic outcome such as the use of inhibitors of the angiotensin I converting enzyme or spirolactone.