What is the Origin of Local RAAS?

This concept evolved from the traditional understanding of RAAS as a purely systemic regulator of blood pressure and fluid balance, a paradigm shift driven by the discovery of all RAAS component production within various peripheral organs. The recognition of the Local RAAS is vital for understanding the tissue-specific effects of RAAS-modulating medications. It is a concept that emphasizes the complexity of hormonal signaling networks.

What is the Mechanism of Local RAAS?

The mechanism involves the independent synthesis and release of all necessary components—renin, angiotensinogen, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)—directly within the local tissue microenvironment. This local production enables the generation of Angiotensin II, which then acts in a paracrine or autocrine manner on local receptors to influence cellular behavior. For example, in the heart, local Angiotensin II can promote pathological remodeling and fibrosis, illustrating its critical role in tissue-level health and disease.

Local RAAS ∞ Area

Local RAAS

Meaning

Local RAAS refers to the presence and autonomous function of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System within specific tissues and organs, operating independently of the main systemic circulating RAAS. These localized systems, which are found in organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, and adipose tissue, generate angiotensin II locally to regulate tissue-specific functions such as cellular growth, inflammation, and fibrosis. The activity of the local RAAS is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to localized pathology and end-organ damage.