Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 81 (3), 259 - 263 (1999)

-Current Perspective-
Role of the Angiotensin II Type-2 Receptor in the Mouse
Central Nervous System

Shigeru Okuyama¹, Takashi Sakagawa² and Tadashi Inagami<sup>3



1</sup>1st Laboratory, Medicinal Research Laboratories, ²Laboratory of Animal Center,
Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ohmiya, Saitama 330 - 8530, Japan
³Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA

Abstract: There are two known major angiotensin II receptor subtypes, type 1 (AT₁) and type 2
(AT₂), both of which are present in the brain. AT₁ and AT₂ receptors occur in characteristic distributions that are highly correlated with the distribution of angiotensin II-like immunoreactivity in nerve terminals. Acting through the AT₁ receptor in the central nervous system, angiotensin II has effects on fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, neuroendocrine systems, autonomic pathways regulating cardiovascular function and behavior. While the role of the AT₂ receptor in the brain is less well understood, recent knockout studies point to their involvement in behavioral and cardiovascular functions. We discuss here evidence regarding the function of the AT₂ receptor in the brain, determined using mice lacking the AT₂ receptor.

Keywords: Angiotensin, AT₁ receptor, AT₂ receptor, Neuromodulation, Anxiogenic behavior