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The muscular expression of RAS in patients with achalasia.

Authors :: Casselbrant A
Kostic S
Lönroth H
Source :: Journal of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system : JRAAS [J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst] 2015 Sep; Vol. 16 (3), pp. 578-86. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Jan 27.
Publication Year :: 2015
Abstract: Introduction: Angiotensin II (AngII) elicits smooth muscle contractions via activation of AngII type 1 receptor (AT1R) in the intestinal wall and in sphincter regions in several species. Achalasia is a rare swallowing disorder and is characterized by a loss of the wave-like contraction that forces food through the oesophagus and a failure of the lower oesophageal sphincter to relax during swallowing.<br />Aims and Methods: The present study was undertaken to elucidate expression and distribution of a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the muscular layer of distal normal human oesophagus as well as in patients with achalasia using western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).<br />Results: AT1R, together with enzyme renin and cathepsin D expression were decreased in patients with achalasia. In contrast, the mast cells chymase, cathepsin G, neprilysin and the receptor for angiotensin 1-7 peptides, the MAS receptor, were increased in patients with achalasia.<br />Conclusion: The results showed the existence of a local RAS in human oesophageal muscular layer. The enzymes responsible for AngII production are different and there has been a shift in receptor physiology from AT1R to MAS receptor in patients with achalasia. These changes in the RAS might play a significant role in the physiological motor control for patients with achalasia.<br /> (© The Author(s) 2014.)