A new look at the renin-angiotensin system-Focusing on the vascular system

► All the elements of the RAS are present in the vasculature, indicating that the vascular system may act independently from the systemic RAS to generate Ang II. ► Vascular renin probably derives primarily from circulating kidney-derived renin. ► New components of the RAS have been identified in the vascular wall, including (P)RR, Ang-(1-7), Ang III, Ang IV, ACE2 and ProAng-12. ► Ang II generated from immune and inflammatory cells contributes to Ang II levels in the vascular wall. ► Activation of the RAS in perivascular adipose tissue contributes to the vascular RAS and influences vascular function. ► Functionally the vascular RAS may amplify vascular effects of the circulating RAS.