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Angiotensinogen, the precursor molecule for angiotensins I, II and III, and the enzymes renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and aminopeptidases A and N may all be synthesised within the brain. Angiotensin (Ang) AT₁, AT₂ and AT₄ receptors are also plentiful in the brain. AT₁ receptors are found in several brain regions, such as the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, the lamina terminalis, lateral parabrachial nucleus, ventrolateral medulla and nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), which are known to have roles in the regulation of the cardiovascular system and/or body fluid and electrolyte balance. Immunohistochemical and neuropharmacological studies suggest that angiotensinergic neural pathways utilise Ang II and/or Ang III as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the aforementioned brain regions. Angiotensinogen is synthesised predominantly in astrocytes, but the processes by …