The renin-angiotensine system and psychiatric disorders in pregnancy and post- partum
The renin-angiotensine system and psychiatric disorders in pregnancy and post- partum

Summary/Abstract: The renin-angiotensin system is one of the most important general and local hormonalsystems in the body. Circulating angiotensinogen, under the action of renal or extrarenalrenin is transformed into angiotensin I. Angiotensin I is a nonapeptide, which is not active perse but by transforming into angiotensin II and by stimulating the secretion of aldosterone.The AT2 receptors are present mainly in the uterus, adrenal gland, but also in the fetus,neonate and in the brain. The renin-angiotensin system is an endocrine system of majorimportance in physiology and physiopathology, with huge implications in differentpathologies, including psychiatric ones. Psychiatric diseases in the perinatal period are apublic health problem because of the prevalence, the relative ignorance on this type ofpathology and because of the double effect on the mother and on the fetus. Perinatalpsychopathology studies the psychological difficulties and psychiatric disorders that can occurduring pregnancy and postpartum. It has consequences on the early mother-child relationshipas well as the psychotropic treatments that can be given during pregnancy and lactation andtheir short, medium and long term effect on the newborn, as well as the risks that may occurwhen treatment is stopped abruptly at the beginning of pregnancy. Conclusions: Consideringthat the status and type of the myometer angiotensin receptors is very unclear and littlestudied and that hormonal changes are the main cause for both baby blues and postnataldepression, further physiological, physiopathological and clinical studies are needed tothoroughly assess the involvement of renin-angyotensine-aldosteron system in the psychiatricdisorders in pregnancy and postpartum.

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