angiotensin
Definition
Noun A peptide hormone in the blood that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure. It is part of the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
Usage and Examples
- The doctor explained that angiotensin is a key hormone in regulating blood pressure.
- The medication works by blocking the receptor for angiotensin.
- High levels of angiotensin can contribute to hypertension.
Advanced Usage
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE): A crucial enzyme that converts angiotensin I to the active form, angiotensin II. ACE inhibitors are a common class of blood pressure medication.
- Angiotensin II: The most active form of the hormone, which is a potent vasoconstrictor.
- Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB): A type of drug that blocks the action of angiotensin II at its receptor sites.
Variants and Related Words
- Angiotensinogen: The inactive precursor protein from which angiotensin is derived.
- Angiotensin I: The inactive decapeptide precursor to angiotensin II.
- Renin: The enzyme secreted by the kidneys that cleaves angiotensinogen to form angiotensin I.
Synonyms
- Hypertensin (A former trade name for angiotensin amide, sometimes used generically in older texts).
- Angiotonin (An older term for angiotensin).
Notes on Meaning
The term angiotensin specifically refers to the peptide hormone itself. Its primary function and meaning are tied to its role in vasoconstriction and blood pressure regulation within physiological and medical contexts.
Noun
-
any of several vasoconstrictor substances (trade name Hypertensin) that cause narrowing of blood vessels
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