The role of endothelium in antithrombotic effect of the renin-angiotensin system blockade.

Drugs blocking the renin - angiotensin system, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and AT1 receptor antagonists, among many pharmacological effects may exert an antithrombotic action. The mechanisms, which mediate their antithrombotic activity are associated with enhanced nitric oxide and prostacyclin release or with attenuation of angiotensin II action (Fig. 1, 2). Nevertheless, endothelium plays an important role in this process linking the renin-angiotensin and fibrinolysis / coagulation systems.