Angiotensin II(Ang II), a biologically active peptide in the reninangiotensin system (RAS), plays an important role in the maintenance of blood pressure and fluid osmolarity[1,2,3]. In addition, Ang II promotes growth responses in many cells, including cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells [1,2,3]. The RAS is activated by an enzyme cascade that consists of cleavage of angiotensinogen by renin, liberating the inactive decapeptide angiotensin I, and by the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme, which converts angiotensin I into the active effector hormone of hte system, Ang II. The Physiological effects of Ang II are elicited through binding to its specific cell-surface receptors present in target tissues and organs. ...Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Tsukuba, (A), no. 1489, 1996.3.2
