Angiotensin II: a regulator of cardiomyocyte function and survival

Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been recognized as an important myocardial inotropic modulator, but the subtleties of the signalling pathways involved remain to be fully elucidated. The inotropic effect of Ang II reflects the net outcome of competing positive and negative signalling mechanisms. In pathophysiological states such as heart failure, characterized by chronic exposure to elevated Ang II, the balance of inotropic influences could be...