%0 Journal Article %A Walter B. Severs %A Anne E. Daniels-Severs %T Effects of Angiotensin on the Central Nervous System %D 1973 %J Pharmacological Reviews %P 415-449 %V 25 %N 3 %X VII. Summary and Conclusions There is general agreement that the biological effects of angiotensin are complex. Although angiotensin is often regarded as a renal hormone and is associated with vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, the presence of components of the renin/angiotensin system in many tissues suggests a broader role for the peptide. The brain is one organ which contains and responds to angiotensin. When angiotensin reaches appropriate brain structures, a rise in blood pressure, thirst, and antidiuretic hormone release ensue. Technical problems limit precise analysis of whether endogenous angiotensin exerts these effects. There are several ways in which angiotensin can interact with the central nervous system. a) Much literature suggests that circulating angiotensin may influence brain structures outside of the BBB. b) A smaller amount of data suggests that circulating angiotensin could reach ventricular cerebrospinal fluid. c) Angiotensin may be produced locally and released at responsive brain sites. It would be premature to assign any physiological or pathophysiological role to central angiotensin effects. On the other hand, it is reasonable to propose that they may contribute to the maintenance of some hypertensive states and disorders of fluid/ electrolyte balance. How these central effects of angiotensin are integrated with the peripheral effects of the peptide is unknown. It is of interest that sodium and calcium are frequently identified as requirements for the activity of the peptide. Angiotensin may be a local regulator of the movement of these ions. Much research will be necessary to evaluate the above possibilities. 1971, by The Williams & Wilkins Co. %U https://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/pharmrev/25/3/415.full.pdf