[Role of Rho/Rho-kinase pathway in angiotensin II signaling]

Angiotensin II plays an important role for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Recent results have indicated an involvement of Rho/Rho-kinase pathway in the signaling of angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Inhibition of Rho or Rho-kinase inhibited angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells and expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor protein-1. HMGCoA reductase inhibitor-induced downregulation of AT1-R was due to inhibition of Rho pathway. Rho is known to activate transcription factors such as NF-kappa B and serum response factor. However, molecular mechanisms by which AT1-R activates Rho or Rho activates these transcription factors are largely unknown. Further study is necessary to delineate the molecular pathway of angiotensin II-induced activation of Rho/Rho-kinase pathway.