In 1988, Santos et al demonstrated that angiotensin (1-7) was a main product of the incubation of angiotensin I with brain micropunch biopsies[3] and Schiavone et al reported the first biological effect of this heptapeptide.[4]
Benter et al were the first to report that Ang-(1-7) behaves in a way opposite to that of Ang II and that intavenous administration of Ang-(1-7) produces blood pressure lowering effects by activating its own receptor [5] Angiotensin (1-7) is a vasodilator agent affecting cardiovascular organs, such as heart, blood vessels and kidneys, with functions frequently opposed to those attributed to the major effector component of the RAS, angiotensin II (Ang II).[6]
^{I F Benter 1, D I Diz, C M Ferrario Cardiovascular actions of angiotensin(1-7) Peptides
. 1993 Jul-Aug;14(4):679-84.}}