Exercise-induced Vascular Adaptations Modulating Angiotensin II Responses

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) acts in different physiological processes to maintain renal perfusion and blood pressure. In this context, it regulates the vascular tonus through the actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) on AT1 receptors (AT1R), which evoke vasoconstriction. The Ang II-induced vasoconstriction, however, must be modulated by endothelial mechanisms to avoid excess reductions in blood flow and cardiovascular injury. This endothelial modulation of Ang II responses, in turn, may be enhanced by regular physical exercise. This phenomenon is well characterized in the arterial bed but less well characterized in the venous bed. Our recent studies have addressed this knowledge gap and demonstrated the complex and variable modulatory influences on different venous beds. These results provide a deeper understanding of the influence of exercise on the adaptations occurring in the venous bed that provide therapeutic benefits to the entire cardiovascular system.