Related Experiment Videos
Angiotensin receptors in the nervous system
A M Allen1, I Moeller, T A Jenkins
1The Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology and Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. amallen@hfi.unimelb.edu.au
Brain Research Bulletin
|October 10, 1998
Summary
Angiotensin in the brain acts via AT1 and AT2 receptors to influence functions like cardiovascular regulation and behavior. The AT4 binding site, potentially interacting with a brain peptide, also plays a role in the nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Angiotensin, traditionally a circulating hormone, also functions locally within tissues, including the brain, via tissue renin-angiotensin systems.
- Angiotensin peptides and their metabolites act on specific receptors in the brain to modulate numerous physiological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distribution of angiotensin receptors in the brain.
- To discuss the functional roles of angiotensin peptides in various brain regions based on receptor distribution and activity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on angiotensin receptor distribution and function in the brain.
- Analysis of correlations between angiotensin receptor distribution and angiotensin-like immunoreactivity.
- Inclusion of data from knockout studies investigating receptor function.
Main Results:
- Angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors exhibit characteristic distributions in the brain, correlating with angiotensin-containing nerve terminals.
- AT1 receptor activation influences fluid homeostasis, neuroendocrine function, autonomic pathways, cardiovascular regulation, and behavior.
- The AT4 binding site, distinct from AT1 and AT2, is widespread in the brain, associated with cholinergic and sensory nuclei, with its native ligand under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Angiotensin receptors (AT1, AT2, and AT4) are widely distributed in the brain, indicating diverse and significant physiological roles.
- AT1 receptors mediate key functions in homeostasis, autonomic control, and behavior.
- The precise functions of AT2 and AT4 receptors in the brain require further elucidation, with potential roles in behavior, cardiovascular function, and sensory processing.