Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 21, 2026

Single-channel Analysis and Calcium Imaging in the Podocytes of the Freshly Isolated Glomeruli
12:19

Single-channel Analysis and Calcium Imaging in the Podocytes of the Freshly Isolated Glomeruli

Published on: June 27, 2015

Characterization of an angiotensin type-1 receptor partial cDNA from rat kidney: evidence for a novel AT1B receptor

M Q Ye1, D P Healy

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, CUNY Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY 10029.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|May 29, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Researchers found at least two types of messenger RNA (mRNA) for the angiotensin type-1 (AT1) receptor in rat kidneys. These distinct AT1 receptor genes are expressed in the kidney, as shown by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Renal Physiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The angiotensin type-1 (AT1) receptor plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and kidney function.
  • Previous studies have identified specific forms of the AT1 receptor, but the full spectrum of its expression in the kidney was not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and diversity of angiotensin type-1 (AT1) receptor mRNA forms in rat kidney tissue.
  • To determine if multiple gene products encoding the AT1 receptor are expressed in the renal environment.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to amplify cDNA from rat kidney.
  • Employed oligonucleotide primers targeting specific transmembrane domains of the AT1 receptor.
  • Conducted sequence analysis of amplified cDNA fragments and analyzed kidney poly(A)+ RNA.

Main Results:

  • A single 528bp cDNA fragment was amplified, but sequence analysis revealed it comprised two highly similar gene products, AT1A and AT1B.
  • AT1B showed 92% nucleotide and 96% amino acid identity to the known AT1A receptor, with conservative nucleotide substitutions.
  • Significant levels of both AT1A and AT1B mRNA were detected in rat kidney.

Conclusions:

  • At least two distinct genes encoding the angiotensin type-1 (AT1) receptor are expressed in the rat kidney.
  • This finding expands our understanding of the molecular complexity of AT1 receptor signaling in renal physiology.
  • The presence of multiple AT1 receptor forms suggests potential for differential regulation and function within the kidney.

More Related Videos

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors12:03

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors

Published on: June 7, 2016

Live Cell Imaging and 3D Analysis of Angiotensin Receptor Type 1a Trafficking in Transfected Human Embryonic Kidney Cells Using Confocal Microscopy09:51

Live Cell Imaging and 3D Analysis of Angiotensin Receptor Type 1a Trafficking in Transfected Human Embryonic Kidney Cells Using Confocal Microscopy

Published on: March 27, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors01:27

Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype01:26

Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype

β-adrenoceptors have varied sensitivities towards adrenaline, noradrenaline, and isoprenaline. The order of agonist potency is as follows:
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers01:17

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers

β1-receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. In cardiac myocytes, these receptors interact with neurotransmitters released by the sympathetic nervous system during heightened activity or danger. As a result, β1-receptors get activated, initiating a series of biochemical processes. Excessive activation of beta receptors due to chronic stress can abnormally increase heart rate and contractility, resulting in high blood pressure or hypertension. To counteract this, β1-blockers...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, is abundant in lung endothelial cells. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the active octapeptide, angiotensin II. This potent vasoconstrictor narrows blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and elevating blood pressure. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone production, encouraging kidney cells to reabsorb more sodium and water from urine, thereby increasing...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...