Abstract

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is recognized as one of the most important modulators of the heart function, working intensely on maintaining cardiac homeostasis. Recent advances pointed out that this system is divided into two distinct counter-regulatory axes. The classical axis is well characterized and involves the formation and actions of the octapeptide Angiotensin (Ang) II, while the second axis has emerged in the last decades and has the heptapeptide Ang-(1-7) as the main effector. Ang-(1-7) modulates several aspects of the heart hemostasis, such as cardiac rhythm, contractility, hypertrophy, fibrosis and coronary flow. In this chapter, we will summarize the current literature addressing the role of Ang-(1-7) and its receptor Mas in the heart function and structure, highlighting its beneficial activities under pathological conditions.