The role of aminopeptidases in angiotensin peptide processing

Abstract

Plasma and tissue levels of angiotensin peptides are regulated by their formation and metabolism by peptidases. Aminopeptidases A and N process Ang II to Ang III and Ang III to Ang IV, respectively, peptides which may have the same physiological action as, or counterbalance the action of, Ang II. In this minireview, other pathways for the processing of both Ang I and Ang II by aminopeptidases will be outlined. Further, the differential processing of Ang I and Ang II by different cell types comprising the renal glomerulus will be discussed. Importantly, by playing a role in the regulation of Ang II levels, both systemically and intrarenally, aminopeptidase A acts to tonically control blood pressure and to moderate Ang II-induced renal injury.