Brief History of the Renin‐Angiotensin System
We present a short history of the RAS, including biological actions of angiotensin peptides, and the functions of the enzymes that generate and metabolize angiotensins, including the likely effect of manipulating them. Attention is devoted to renin, (pro) renin receptors, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, chymase, and neprilysin. Also, the rationale for targeting the RAS, based on numerous clinical studies of the ACE inhibitors and AT(1) receptor blockers is included. These two drug classes have protective and beneficial effects preventing functional and structural abnormalities of the cardiovascular system, and reduce the end organ‐damage. Finally, we consider the investigational agents acting on the RAS that have a potential for clinical usage, and give the perspective of pharmacological, immunological and gene targeting of the RAS for treatment of cardiovascular disease.