Differential distribution of AT1 and AT2 angiotensin II receptor subtypes in the rat brain during development

Angiotensin II (AII) receptor subtypes were analyzed in the brains of adult and 2-week-old rats by in vitro autoradiography with 125I-labeled [Sar1,Ile8]AII and competition studies with three AII antagonists: the nonpeptide antagonist, DuP 753, which is specific for AT1 receptors that mediate the calcium-inositol phospholipid signaling actions of AII; and nonpeptide (PD 123177) and peptide (CGP 42112A) antagonists that are selective for AT2 receptors of yet unknown function. In the adult rat brain, DuP 753 inhibited radioligand binding to the circumventricular organs and paraventricular nucleus but not to the lateral septum, subthalamic nucleus, and inferior olive. However, binding of 125I-labeled [Sar1,Ile8]AII in the latter regions was inhibited by the AT2 receptor antagonists PD 123177 and CGP 42112A. These areas showed similar displacement by the AT2 receptor subtype-specific antagonists in 2-week-old rats. In addition, radioligand binding at multiple sites of transient expression of AII receptors in 2-week-old rats, including several thalamic nuclei, the nuclei of the 3rd and 12th cranial nerves, geniculate bodies, cerebellum, and cingulate cortex, was displaced by the AT2 antagonists but not by DuP 753. These studies have demonstrated the presence of two AII receptor subtypes in the brain, one (AT1) in areas related to regulation of blood pressure, water intake, and pituitary hormone secretion, and one (AT2) whose function is not yet defined. The abundance and location of brain AT2 receptors in young animals, and the age-related changes in relative expression of the receptor subtypes, suggest that AII exerts specific actions according to the developmental stage of the central nervous system.