Gene expression of the type-1 angiotensin II receptor in rat adrenal gland

To evaluate the biosynthesis of the type-1 angiotensin II (AT1) receptor and the regulation of AT1 receptor subtypes in the rat adrenal gland, we performed non-radioisotope in situ hybridisation histochemistry with an AT1 receptor complementary RNA (cRNA) probe and a messenger RNA (mRNA) probe. The levels of AT1A and AT1B receptor mRNAs were measured by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method after 4-week treatment with a selective AT1 receptor antagonist, TCV-116, and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, delapril. Specific hybridisation signals were observed with the cRNA probe in both the cortex and medulla of the rat adrenal gland. An especially strong signal was observed in the zona glomerulosa. TCV-116 did not affect the levels of expression of AT1A and AT1B receptor mRNAs in the adrenal gland. Delapril, on the other hand, significantly reduced the levels of expression of AT1A and AT1B receptor mRNAs. These results indicate that the sites of biosynthesis of the AT1 receptor are mainly distributed in the adrenal zona glomerulosa. The observed differences in levels of expression of AT1 receptor mRNAs following treatment with TCV-116 and delapril suggest the involvement of the AT2 receptor in the regulation of AT1 receptor subtypes.