A molecule that causes vasoconstriction, increases blood pressure, and stimulates aldosterone release is known as what?

A molecule that causes vasoconstriction, increases blood pressure, and stimulates aldosterone release is known as what?

• A. Angiotensin
• B. Renin
• C. Aldosterone
• D. Vasopressin

Answer: (A)

Angiotensin (specifically angiotensin II) is the molecule that fits all three actions. In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, which is then transformed into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, raising systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. It also stimulates the adrenal cortex to release aldosterone, which increases sodium and water reabsorption, further boosting blood volume and pressure. Renin is just the initiating enzyme, not the vasoconstrictor itself. Aldosterone is the hormone that promotes sodium retention, and vasopressin (ADH) primarily increases water reabsorption and can cause some vasoconstriction but does not stimulate aldosterone release.

Angiotensin (specifically angiotensin II) is the molecule that fits all three actions. In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, which is then transformed into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, raising systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. It also stimulates the adrenal cortex to release aldosterone, which increases sodium and water reabsorption, further boosting blood volume and pressure. Renin is just the initiating enzyme, not the vasoconstrictor itself. Aldosterone is the hormone that promotes sodium retention, and vasopressin (ADH) primarily increases water reabsorption and can cause some vasoconstriction but does not stimulate aldosterone release.