**8. Regulation of blood pressure by RAAS**

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is a biochemical pathway of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which plays an essential role in regulating blood pressure.

In reaction to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, the blood flow to the kidneys and serum sodium levels are reduced. Renin is emitted from the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidney.

Renin is an enzyme that converts the angiotensinogen to angiotensin I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II (A-II), a potent vasoconstrictor that increases vascular resistance; thus, it increases blood pressure levels.

Angiotensin-II increases blood pressure by stimulating the adrenal cortex to produce aldosterone, which causes sodium and water preservation by the kidneys, bringing about expanded blood volume and expanded cardiac output.

Due to vasoconstriction in blood vessels, blood pressure values that cause atherosclerosis, renal illness, heart hypertrophy) [29].
