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Neuroprotective Mechanisms of the ACE2–Angiotensin-(1-7)–Mas Axis in Stroke

  • Hypertension and the Kidney (RM Carey, Section Editor)
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Abstract

The discovery of beneficial neuroprotective effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2–angiotensin-(1-7)–Mas axis [ACE2–Ang-(1-7)–Mas] in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke has spurred interest in a more complete characterization of its mechanisms of action. Here, we summarize findings that describe the protective role of the ACE2–Ang-(1-7)–Mas axis in stroke, along with a focused discussion on the potential mechanisms of neuroprotective effects of Ang-(1-7) in stroke. The latter incorporates evidence describing the actions of Ang-(1-7) to counter the deleterious effects of angiotensin II (AngII) via its type 1 receptor, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, vasodilatory, and angiogenic effects, and the role of altered kinase–phosphatase signaling. Interactions of Mas with other receptors, including bradykinin receptors and AngII type 2 receptors are also considered. A more complete understanding of the mechanisms of action of Ang-(1-7) to elicit neuroprotection will serve as an essential step toward research into potential targeted therapeutics in the clinical setting.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the following support for our work: the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (HL076803 and 2T32HL083810-06A1), the American Heart Association Greater Southeast Affiliate (12PRE11940010), and the McKnight Brain Institute.

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Conflict of Interest

Douglas M. Bennion, Emily Haltigan, Robert W. Regenhardt, U. Muscha Steckelings, and Colin Sumners declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics & McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, PO Box 100274, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0274, USA

    Douglas M. Bennion, Emily Haltigan, Robert W. Regenhardt & Colin Sumners

  2. Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 21 3, 5000, Odense C, Denmark

    U. Muscha Steckelings

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  1. Douglas M. Bennion
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  2. Emily Haltigan
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  5. Colin Sumners
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Correspondence to Douglas M. Bennion or Colin Sumners.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Hypertension and the Kidney

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Bennion, D.M., Haltigan, E., Regenhardt, R.W. et al. Neuroprotective Mechanisms of the ACE2–Angiotensin-(1-7)–Mas Axis in Stroke. Curr Hypertens Rep 17, 3 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-014-0512-2

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