| Primary Identifier | IPR000147 | Type | Family |
| Short Name | ATII_AT2_rcpt |
| description | Angiotensin II is a blood-borne hormone produced in the circulation, it is also formed in many tissues such as the brain, kidney, heart, and blood vessels, where angiotensin II functions as a paracrine and autocrine hormone. The known actions of angiotensin II are mediated through two angiotensin receptor subtypes, Angiotensin II receptor 1 and angiotensin II receptor 2, which are members of the seven transmembrane rhodopsin-like G-protein coupled receptor family. These subtypes are important in the renin-angiotensin system, as they are responsible for the signal transduction of the vasoconstricting stimulus of the main effector hormone, angiotensin II []. They also stimulate increased fluid intake and regulate the neuroendocrine system [].This entry represents angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2), which plays an important role in the CNS and cardiovascular functions mediated by the renin-angiotensin system. The AT2 receptor is highly expressed in various foetal tissues, with lower levels in the brain and reproductive tissues []. It appears to be up-regulated after vascular injury, myocardial infarction, cardiac failure or wound healing [, , , ]. Depending on the tissue type, activation of the AT2 receptor also appears to stimulate intracellular mechanisms involving Tyr and Ser/Thr phosphatases, which leads to the inactivation of the AT1 and growth factor activated kinases [, , , , , , ]. However, when inducing cell differentiation, the AT2 receptor can also stimulate MAP kinases Erk1/Erk2 []. As a consequence, there is an inactivation of MAP kinase, promotion of apoptosis, repolarization trough opening of delayed-rectifier K+ channels and calcium and voltage activated potassium channel, closing of T -type Ca2+ channels and vasodilation [, , , ]. Through its phosphatase activity, the AT2 receptor regulates the NF-kappaB pathway [, ]and interferes with the inflammatory process [, ]. The AT2 receptor does not require receptor phosphorylation or heterotrimeric G alpha/beta/gamma protein to be active []. |
