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The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is cri-
tical to the control of blood pressure as
well as the preservation of salt and water
balance. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the ac-
tive vasopressor derived from activation of
this system. Ang II is an octapeptide (MW
1045) and is generated from its inactive
precursor Ang I. The majority of circu-
lating Ang II is derived from the activity
of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
Recent Investigations indicates that the
alternative pathways also could play an
important role, especially the chimase
derived production of Ang II.
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