Angiotensin (1-7) and Alamandine: Similarities and differences.

A primary peptide of the renin angiotensin system (RAS), Angiotensin (Ang) II, is a vasoconstrictor and promotor of atherosclerosis. To counter this, the RAS also consists of peptides and receptors which increase nitric oxide release from the endothelium and decrease nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-related superoxide production. Two peptides, Ang (1-7) and alamandine are vasodilators, by activating the nitric oxide pathway via different receptors in the endothelium. Thus, herein we focus on the similarities and differences between alamandine and Ang (1-7) and the counterbalancing hypothesis on Ang II during endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.