Volume 1, Number 2, December 2000

Pathological involvement of chymase-dependent angiotensin II formation in the development of cardiovascular disease
Hidenori Urata

In the normal situation, chymase-containing muscle cells are quiescent. Following an increase in plasma cholesterol levels, adventitial chymase-containing muscle cells are stimulated to produce and release chymase, leading to increased local levels of Ang II. In vitro data suggest that chymase contributes directly to atherosclerosis as well as by stimulating the production of Ang II. These direct effects may include degradation of fibronectin and vitronectin, activation of procollagenase and gelatinase B, activation of interleukin-β and production of endothelin (1-31). All these effects may be involved in cardiac remodelling. Thus, improved methods to minimise the chymase-dependent actions of Ang II, such as the use of selective Ang II receptor blockers, are of great importance in attempts to prevent heart conditions from developing into disease states (Figure 4).

JRAAS 2000;1:35-37.

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