Angiotensin receptor subtypes of the kidney cortex

Angiotensin II (ANG II) binds with high affinity to specific renal receptors and exerts major influences on hemodynamics and tubular transport. Glomerular and tubular epithelial receptors are well characterized in contrast to pre- and postglomerular and medullary vasculature. Therefore, the scope of this review is limited to an indepth comparison of ANG II receptor kinetics, analogue specificity, and mechanisms of receptor regulation and signal transduction in glomeruli and epithelial cells. Despite the fact that these receptors are in close proximity anatomically, there is evidence from a number of laboratories that permits classification into two distinct receptor subtypes. The receptor of the glomerular mesangium, classified herein as "type A," is characterized by high affinity for ANG II and the heptapeptide, des-Asp1-Ang II (ANG III), "downregulation" with high ambient concentrations of ANG II and signal transduction mediated by phospholipase C-induced Ca2+ transients. The tubular epithelial ANG II receptor, "type B," is of lower affinity for ANG II and ANG III, "upregulated" by high levels of ANG II and mediates inhibition of adenylate cyclase following coupling to an inhibitory GTP binding protein. Both receptors possess secondary mechanisms of signal transduction that may also participate in regulation of cellular function(s). These findings support the hypothesis that at least two distinct classes of ANG II receptors are present in the kidney cortex.