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Updated: May 20, 2026

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
Published on: June 7, 2016
Impact of the AT(2) receptor agonist C21 on blood pressure and beyond
Sébastien Foulquier1, U Muscha Steckelings, Thomas Unger
1Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. s.foulquier@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Abstract:
It is now widely accepted that the angiotensin AT(2) receptor (AT(2)R) plays an important protective role during pathophysiologic conditions, acting as a repair system. The development of the first selective nonpeptide AT(2)R agonist C21 accelerated our understanding of AT(2)R-mediated protective signaling and actions. This article reviews the impact of C21 on blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive animal models. Although C21 does not act as a classical antihypertensive drug, it could be useful in preventing hypertension-induced vascular and other end organ damages via anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory actions. In particular, a strong body of evidence started to emerge around its anti-inflammatory feature. This property should be further investigated for potential clinical indications in cardiovascular diseases and beyond.
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