Sympathetic amines, renin and blood pressure

Abstract

The sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin mechanism each can influence blood pressure separately but the two systems also interact functionally in various ways. There is good evidence that central catecholaminergic neurons play an essential role in the regulation of blood pressure but it may be assumed that other putative neurotransmittors such as serotonin, GABA and various peptides also participate in the central regulation of blood pressure. The secretion of renin, which catalyzes the production of angiotensin(s), is stimulated by increased sympathetic activity and circulating sympathetic amines. Dopamine seems to have an opposite effect on renin release but it is not clear whether this is due to a direct effect on the renin producing cells or an influence on sympathetic activity, centrally or peripherally.