As a hormonal system, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is known for
endocrine and autocrine/paracrine physiological functions. An intracrine role of the
RAS has been proposed long ago; however, evidence for this function has started
accumulating only recently. Angiotensin (Ang) II is the major hormone of the RAS and
is the focus of research for the intracrine nature of this system. The intracrine
functionality is characterized by intracellular actions of the hormone within the cell of
synthesis or following internalization. Intracellular synthesis and actions of Ang II have
been demonstrated in several cell types and tissues, with a significant amount of work
in the heart. This review focuses on the cardiac intracellular RAS, delineating
differences from the extracellular RAS that further consists of the circulatory and local
RASs. The pathophysiological significance of the intracellular cardiac RAS has been
discussed.
Keywords: Angiotensin converting enzyme, Angiotensin II, Angiotensinogen,
Autocrine, Chymase, Diabetes, Diabetic cardiomyopathy, Heart, Hormone,
Intracrine, Nucleus, Paracrine, Renin, Renin-angiotensin system.
