The role of the renin-angiotensin system in male reproduction.
- Author:
Yue JIA
1
;
Yugui CUI
;
Fusong DI
;
Xinghai WANG
Author Information
1. Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Animals;
Early Diagnosis;
Genital Neoplasms, Male;
diagnosis;
Genitalia, Male;
metabolism;
physiology;
Humans;
Male;
Rats;
Renin-Angiotensin System;
physiology
- From:
National Journal of Andrology
2004;10(8):623-626
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The circulating renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is well known for its role in the maintenance of blood pressure and electrolyte and fluid homeostasis. However, other local angiotensin-generating systems than the circulating RAS have been found in numerous tissues. The male reproductive system including the testis, epididymis, and prostate has several sites of intrinsic RAS activity. The local RAS in these tissues can be responsive to androgens, fat acid, drugs, and hypoxia. There has been evidence for the involvement of the RAS not only in male reproduction, but also in the development of prostate disease. Besides, the assessment of the local RAS activity may be helpful to the early diagnosis of tumor in the male reproductive system.