Angiotensin II receptor localization in the canine CNS

Specific binding of [125I]angiotensin II [(125I]Ang II) to sections of dog brain was determined by in vitro receptor autoradiography. Highly discrete, dark images representing specific binding of [125I]Ang II were observed in areas corresponding to the nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, area postrema, ventrolateral medulla, pineal, subfornical organ, nucleus medianus, septum, organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and the anterior pituitary. The specific binding was frequently present either as a narrow band or tiny spot within a small portion of the nuclei to which the binding corresponded. The location of these Ang II recognition sites in regions associated with regulation of autonomic and neuroendocrine function provides further evidence for a role of this peptide within the central nervous system.