The Angiotensin-Melatonin Axis

Table 1

Opposing roles of angiotensin II and melatonin in cardiovascular and metabolic pathophysiology.

Angiotensin	Melatonin
Blood pressure: direct effects
Increase, vasoconstriction	Decrease, vasodilation
Blood pressure: circadian rhythm
Nondipper/riser hypertension	Decreased levels in nondipper hypertension, chronobiotic
Central clock: suprachiasmatic nucleus
Precursor and receptors present	Receptors present
Sympathetic nervous system
Stimulation	Sympatholytic
Oxidative stress
Increase	Decrease
Inflammation
Increase	Decrease
Central clock: suprachiasmatic nucleus
Precursor and receptors present	Receptors present
Insulin
Insulin resistance	Increase in insulin sensitivity