Cross-talk between angiotensin II receptor types 1 and 2: potential role in vascular remodeling in humans.

摘要

Angiotensin (Ang) II exerts its important physiological functions through 2 distinct receptor subtypes, the type 1 (AT,) and type 2 (AT_2) receptors.The AT_1 receptor is expressed in diverse adult tissues, and its distribution is indicative of the fundamental role of Ang II on the regulation of cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. The predominant actions of Ang II, such as vasoconstriction, cellular proliferation and growth, renal sodium retention, and release of aldosterone, are linked to the activation of various signal-transduction pathways modulated by the AT_1 receptor. Although the AT_2 receptor is highly expressed in the fetus, its expression in adult tissues is low but increases in response to injury.