Renin-angiotensin system in elasmobranch fish: a review

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been identified recently in elasmobranch fish, and the structure of angiotensin II (ANG II) is unusual ([Asp(1),Pro(3),Ile(5)]-ANG II) compared to other vertebrates. Receptors for ANG II have been identified in blood vessels and in a variety of osmoregulatory tissues including the gill, kidney and rectal gland. In addition, there is considerable binding to the interrenal gland and the stimulation of 1 alpha-hydroxycorticosterone production in vitro suggests a physiological role in corticosteroidogenesis. ANG II is a potent vasoconstrictor and this effect does not appear to be mediated by sympathetic activation or catecholamine release. Although the RAS may not be involved in maintaining basal blood pressure, it may be important in situations in which blood pressure is reduced. Understanding of the role of ANG II as an osmoregulatory hormone is only just emerging with putative roles in the control of gill, rectal gland and perhaps, drinking. In addition, the stimulation of corticosteroid secretion may provide another means of controlling osmoregulation. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.