angiotensin

noun

an·​gio·​ten·​sin ˌan-jē-ō-ˈten(t)-sən 

: either of two forms of a kinin of which one has marked vasoconstrictive action

also : a synthetic amide derivative of the physiologically active form used to treat some forms of hypotension

Examples of angiotensin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Avoid medications that increase risk, such as certain angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, lithium, and Claravis (isotretinoin). —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024

Instead, they are used after ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers (CCBs). —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 18 July 2024

People who take medications such as diuretics, anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) to manage cardiovascular issues should also be careful, Tsourounis said, because ibuprofen stresses the kidneys and the heart. —Melinda Wenner Moyer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024

The company’s intravenous drug, TXA127, is a pharmaceutical version of the naturally occurring peptide angiotensin-(1-7), and the company had spent years developing it as a treatment for diseases in which the renin-angiotensin system was out of kilter. —Damian Garde, STAT, 10 June 2020

Word History

Etymology

angiotonin, an earlier name for the substance (from angio- + Greek tónos "stretching, strain, tension," alluding to its pressor effect + -in entry 1) + hypertensin, a synonymous name, from hypertens(ion) + -in entry 1, after Spanish hipertensina — more at tone entry 1

Note: The term angiotonin was introduced by the American physiologist Irvine H. Page (1901-91) and biochemist Oscar M. Helmer in "A crystalline pressor substance (angiotonin) resulting from the reaction between renin and renin activator," Journal of Experimental Medicine, vol. 71, No. 1 (January 1, 1940), pp. 29-42. The etymology is stated explicitly: "For this substance we suggest the name 'angiotonin' [Greek ἀγγεῖον, blood vessel, + τόνος (τείνω), strain]" (p. 29). Spanish hipertensina was introduced by the Argentine physiologist Eduardo Braun-Menéndez (1903-59) and coworkers in "La sustancia hipertensora de la sangre del riñón isquemiado," Revista de la Sociedad Argentina de Biología, vol. 15 (1939), pp. 420-25. Page and Braun-Menéndez later agreed to merge the two synonymous names into angiotensin; see "Suggested Revision of Nomenclature—Angiotensin," Science, vol. 127, Issue 3292 (January 31, 1958), p. 242.

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing angiotensin

• angiotensin converting enzyme

Medical Definition

angiotensin

noun

an·​gio·​ten·​sin ˌan-jē-ō-ˈten(t)-sən 

1

: either of two forms of a kinin of which one has marked physiological activity and the other is its physiologically inactive precursor

especially : angiotensin ii

2

: a synthetic amide derivative of angiotensin II used to treat some forms of hypotension