The Renin-Angiotensin System: Current Research Progress in The Pancreas

Abstract

A local RAS exists in several cell types of the pancreas, which exhibits both exocrine and endocrine activities, and this functional local RAS is responsive to various physiological and pathophysiological stimuli (see Chapter 6). Of particular interest in this context are the expression and localization of key RAS components in the acinar and endothelial cells of the exocrine pancreas; these RAS components are subject to upregulation in response to chronic hypoxia and acute pancreatitis (AP). In this regard, an enhanced sensitivity of angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction in pancreatic microcirculation could trigger severe ischemia and/or hypoxia conditions, which result in oxidative stress-induced expression of proinflammatory factors, ultimately leading to pancreatic cell inflammation and injury. Indeed, recent investigations have demonstrated that inhibition of RAS activation supports amelioration of pancreatic oxidative stress and tissue injury in experimentally induced AP.