Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Ex Vivo Analysis of Mechanically Activated Ca2+ Transients in Urothelial Cells
Published on: September 28, 2022
Urantide mimics urotensin-II induced calcium release in cells expressing recombinant UT receptors
Valeria Camarda1, Wei Song, Erika Marzola
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara, 19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
Abstract:
Urotensin-II is the natural ligand of the UT receptor. This novel system is involved in the regulation of cardiovascular functions. Recently, a urotensin-II analog ([Pen5,DTrp7,Orn8]urotensin-II(4-11)) named urantide, has been proposed as a selective and potent UT receptor antagonist. In order to pharmacologically characterize this new compound, urantide was tested on the native UT receptors of the rat aorta and on the human recombinant receptors expressed in CHO cells (CHO(hUT)). Indeed, urantide behaves as a competitive, potent (pA2 8.24), and pure antagonist in the rat aorta bioassay, while as an agonist (pEC50 8.11) in a calcium mobilization assay performed in CHO(hUT) cells. Urantide should be considered a low efficacy partial agonist.
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics
Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion

