Identification of a novel dual angiotensin II/vasopressin receptor

The isolation and molecular characterization of the Ang II/AVP receptor elucidates the structure of a novel dual receptor coupled to adenylate cyclase and responding with equal sensitivity to Ang II and AVP. The cloning strategy in conjunction with site directed mutagenesis have permitted the delineation of the Ang II and AVP binding domains within the receptor polypeptide. Pharmacological characterization of the receptor defines the AngII/AVP receptor as a novel AT1/V2 type of receptor. The renal immunocytochemical distribution of the Ang II/AVP receptor to the outer medullary thick ascending limb tubules and inner medullary collecting ducts suggests a prominent role in renal tubular sodium and fluid reabsorption.