Regulation of cell volume and water transport – An old fundamental role of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system components at the cellular level

•Components of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system in cells of vertebrates and invertebrates.•Renin, angiotensin II, angiotensin (1–7) and aldosterone on regulation of cell volume.•The role of the mineralocorticoid receptor on the regulation of cell volume. The expression and the role of renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) components on regulation of cell volume and water transport on vertebrates and invertebrates were reviewed. The presence of these components even in simple organisms like leeches and their relevance for the control of cellular volume and water transport supports the view that the expression of these components, at cellular level, is an acquisition which was preserved throughout evolution.