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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
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Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
Published on: June 7, 2016
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The angiotensin type 2 receptor and the kidney
Antonio A B Peluso1, Robson A S Santos, Thomas Unger
1aDepartment of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark bNational Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Belo Horizonte, Brazil cCARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
|November 1, 2016
Summary
The angiotensin AT2 receptor regulates kidney function, impacting sodium reabsorption and offering potential therapeutic benefits for kidney diseases. Targeting this receptor may enhance diuresis and treat conditions like diabetic nephropathy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Angiotensin II is a key regulator of kidney function.
- The angiotensin AT1 receptor's renal actions are well-established.
- Recent research has illuminated the roles of the angiotensin AT2 receptor in kidney physiology and pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on angiotensin AT2 receptor actions in kidney physiology and pathophysiology.
- To highlight novel insights into AT2 receptor signaling in renal health and disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on angiotensin AT2 receptor function in the kidney.
- Analysis of studies investigating AT2 receptor's role in renal proximal tubules and injury models.
Main Results:
- AT2 receptor activation inhibits Na-H exchanger-3 and Na/K-ATPase via transporter internalization, reducing reabsorption and increasing natriuresis/diuresis.
- Studies show AT2 receptor activation attenuates renal injury in diabetes and obesity through anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antioxidative effects.
- AT2 receptor expression and effects appear stronger in female and obese animals.
Conclusions:
- Recent findings underscore the significance of the angiotensin AT2 receptor in renal regulation.
- Pharmacological targeting of the AT2 receptor with selective agonists presents a promising therapeutic strategy.
- Potential applications include enhancing diuresis/natriuresis and treating diabetic nephropathy and other kidney diseases.
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