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Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
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AT2 receptors in cardiovascular and renal diseases

Elena Kaschina1, Pawel Namsolleck2, Thomas Unger2

  • 1Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR), Germany.

Pharmacological Research
|July 12, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) offers protective effects against cardiovascular and renal diseases, opposing the AT1 receptor. AT2R agonists enhance these natural protective mechanisms, presenting a new drug development target.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular and Renal Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is implicated in cardiovascular and renal diseases.
  • Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) target the pro-disease effects of AT1R.
  • Emerging evidence highlights the protective roles of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R), often opposing AT1R actions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulation, signaling, and effects of AT2R in health and disease.
  • To emphasize AT2R's role in cardiac and renal systems.
  • To introduce a novel concept of natural protective systems as drug targets.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific evidence on AT2R.
  • Analysis of AT2R expression and function in physiological and pathological conditions.
  • Discussion of AT2R agonists and their therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

  • AT2R is upregulated during injury and mediates protective effects against inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
  • AT2R activation provides benefits often counteracting AT1R-mediated damage.
  • Pharmacological enhancement of AT2R activity shows therapeutic promise.

Conclusions:

  • AT2R represents a significant endogenous protective system in cardiovascular and renal health.
  • Targeting AT2R, particularly with agonists, offers a promising therapeutic strategy.
  • Natural protective systems mediated by AT2R are attractive targets for future drug development.
Keywords:
Angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R)Chronic kidney disease (CKD)Myocardial infarction (MI)Natural protective systemRenin-angiotensin system (RAS)

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