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 Inagami3



11st 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


Copyright© The Japanese Pharmacological Society 1999

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