We investigated the binding characteristics of angiotensin receptors and used this assay to determine the predominant enzyme capable of converting angiotensin I in the human left ventricle. In homogenates of human left ventricle, (125)I-[Sar(1),Ile(8)]angiotensin II bound with sub-nanomolar affinity, with a corresponding K(D) of 0.42+/-0.09 nM, a B(max) of 11.2+/-2.3 fmol.mg(-1) protein and a H...

Angiotensin (Ang) II exerts its important physiological functions through 2 distinct receptor subtypes, type 1 (AT(1)) and type 2 (AT(2)) receptors. Recently, new evidence has accumulated showing the existence of several novel receptor interacting proteins and various angiotensin II receptor activation mechanisms beyond the classical actions of receptors for Ang II. These associated proteins co...

Obesity is the prime risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Recent clinical trials have shown that blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, either by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme or blocking the angiotensin type 1 receptor, may substantially lower the risk for type 2 diabetes. The mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. Based on our recent observation that ang...

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with nephropathy. Along with common risk factors such as hypertension and hyperglycemia, adipocytokines released from perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) are implicated in the pathogenesis of MetS nephropathy. The study was designed to elucidate the adverse effects of PRAT-derived leptin on nephropathy and to determine whether the angiotensin II type 1 recept...

Angiotensin II (Ang II) exacerbates atherosclerosis in animal models with activated renin-angiotensin systems and hypercholesterolemia.1 Indirect evidence from trials in which angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers were efficacious in decreasing cardiovascular events support the notion that Ang II plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis c...

BACKGROUND To evaluate the effect of supraphysiological levels of angiotensin II and selective angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-receptor) blockade on neointimal formation and systemic endothelial function after stent implantation in the rat abdominal aorta. METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomized to one of three groups; control (n=8), angiotensin II infusion (n=9, 200 ng/kg/min), or cande...

INTRODUCTION Recently, we could show that angiotensin II, the reactive peptide of the blood pressure-regulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system, causes the formation of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in kidneys and hearts of hypertensive mice. To further investigate on the one hand the mechanism of DNA damage caused by angiotensin II, and on the other hand possible intervention str...

INTRODUCTION Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components exert diverse physiological functions and have been sub-grouped into deleterious angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) and protective ACE2/angiotensin (1-7) (Ang-(1-7))/Mas receptor (MasR) axes. We have reported that chronic activation of angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) alters RAS ...

OBJECTIVE Vascular calcification is accelerated by hypertension and also contributes to hypertension; however, it is an enigma why hypertension and vascular calcification are a vicious spiral. The present study elucidates the cross-talk between renin-angiotensin II system and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) system in vascular calcification. APPROACH AND RESULTS Angioten...

Reduced insulin sensitivity is characteristic of various pathological conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Angiotensin II, acting through its angiotensin type 1 receptor, inhibits the actions of insulin in the vasculature which may lead to deleterious effects such as vascular inflammation, remodeling, endothelial dysfunction, and insulin resistance. In contrast, insulin...