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Interactions of angiotensin II with central catecholamines
T A Jenkins1, A M Allen, S Y Chai
1Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Hospital Heidelberg, Victoria.
Clinical and Experimental Hypertension (New York, N.Y. : 1993)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Brain angiotensin II stimulates dopamine release in rats, suggesting potential interactions with central catecholamine systems. This highlights how drugs targeting the brain renin-angiotensin system may affect dopamine pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuropharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Evidence suggests interactions between brain angiotensin and central catecholamine systems.
- Angiotensin II AT1 receptors are found on dopamine cells in the human substantia nigra and striatum.
- Central catecholaminergic systems, including dopamine, play crucial roles in motor control and reward.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional interaction between angiotensin II and dopamine release in the brain.
- To determine if angiotensin II directly stimulates dopamine release in the striatum.
- To explore the potential implications for central catecholaminergic systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vivo microdialysis in conscious rats.
- Administered angiotensin II locally into the striatum.
- Measured dopamine release in response to angiotensin II administration.
Main Results:
- Locally administered angiotensin II significantly stimulated dopamine release from the rat striatum.
- This demonstrates a direct functional link between angiotensin II and dopamine release in this brain region.
- Angiotensin II AT1 receptors are present on dopamine neurons, supporting this interaction.
Conclusions:
- Angiotensin II directly stimulates dopamine release in the striatum.
- This finding supports the interaction between central angiotensin and catecholamine systems.
- Drugs that cross the blood-brain barrier, such as angiotensin receptor antagonists and ACE inhibitors, may modulate brain catecholaminergic systems.