What does angiotensin II do?

What does angiotensin II do?

• A. Increases diuresis in the kidney
• B. Decreases aldosterone secretion
• C. Stimulates peripheral vasoconstriction and increases aldosterone secretion
• D. Lowers blood pressure

Answer: (C)

Angiotensin II acts as a powerful regulator that raises blood pressure through two main actions: constricting blood vessels and stimulating aldosterone release. By causing peripheral vasoconstriction, it increases systemic vascular resistance, which raises blood pressure. It also stimulates the adrenal cortex to release aldosterone, which promotes sodium (and thus water) reabsorption in the distal kidney, expanding extracellular fluid volume and sustaining higher blood pressure. It does not promote diuresis; in fact, it tends to reduce diuresis by promoting fluid retention. It also does not decrease aldosterone or lower blood pressure. So the statement that it stimulates peripheral vasoconstriction and increases aldosterone secretion best captures its primary effects.

Angiotensin II acts as a powerful regulator that raises blood pressure through two main actions: constricting blood vessels and stimulating aldosterone release. By causing peripheral vasoconstriction, it increases systemic vascular resistance, which raises blood pressure. It also stimulates the adrenal cortex to release aldosterone, which promotes sodium (and thus water) reabsorption in the distal kidney, expanding extracellular fluid volume and sustaining higher blood pressure. It does not promote diuresis; in fact, it tends to reduce diuresis by promoting fluid retention. It also does not decrease aldosterone or lower blood pressure. So the statement that it stimulates peripheral vasoconstriction and increases aldosterone secretion best captures its primary effects.