Cross-talk of the renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-kinin systems

Abstract

The renin-angiotensin (RAS) and kallikrein-kinin (KKS) systems play a key role in multiple physiological and pathophysiological conditions, including growth and development, inflammation, blood pressure regulation and control of renal function. In many instances, kinins and angiotensin II work together, e.g., during development, whereas they oppose each other's actions in the regulation of vascular tone and renal function. The RAS and KKS systems also interact at multiple levels, so that changes in the activity of one system greatly impact the activity of the other. The purpose of this brief review is to highlight recent knowledge regarding interactions at the cellular and molecular levels between the two systems, with an emphasis on the coordinate developmental regulation of these phylogenetically conserved vasoactive systems.