Angiotensin II-induced vasodilation via type 2 receptor: role of bradykinin and nitric oxide

Int Immunopharmacol. 2008 Feb;8(2):312-8. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2007.06.012. Epub 2007 Jul 19.

Abstract

Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays important roles in the regulation of cardiovascular functions and diseases mainly via the type 1 (AT1) receptor. In contrast, recent studies have shown that the actions of Ang II via the type 2 (AT2) receptor are counter-regulatory to those mediated via the AT1 receptor. Using an animal model of hypertension, we have demonstrated that Ang II produces a vasodilator effect through the AT2 receptor via the bradykinin (BK)-dependent activation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase. In this review, we focus on the role of BK and NO in AT2-receptor-mediated vasodilation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin II / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Bradykinin / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Nitric Oxide / physiology*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Rats
  • Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2 / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Up-Regulation
  • Vasoconstriction / drug effects
  • Vasodilation / drug effects*

Substances

  • Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2
  • Angiotensin II
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
  • Bradykinin