Angiotensin-[1-9], the product of angiotensin I conversion in platelets, enhances arterial thrombosis in rats

Angiotensin (Ang) (1-9) is the renin-angiotensin-system peptide found in the plasma of healthy volunteers and after angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors therapy. In vitro experiments proved that Ang-(1-9) may be produced from Ang I. In our study, we tried to expand the poor data about the in vivo properties of Ang-(1-9). We revealed that Ang-(1-9) enhanced electrically stimulated arterial thrombosis in the carotid artery of Wistar rats. Losartan, a selective blocker of AT1 receptor for Ang II, abolished the prothrombotic activity of Ang-(1-9). This peptide increased plasma level of fibrinogen, augments fibrin generation, and similarly to Ang II, potentiated collagen induced platelet aggregation. Using HPLC, we found that after incubation of Ang-(1-9) with platelet homogenates or after intravenous administration this peptide is converted to Ang II. We concluded that Ang-(1-9) exerts an Ang II-like prothrombotic effect due to the conversion to Ang II in the circulatory system of rats and that platelets are involved in this process.