Angiotensin II subtype 2 receptor: Potential therapy

Abstract

The angiotensin II type 2 (AT2R) receptor is highly expressed during fetal development but rapidly declines with aging and is limited to certain organs. However, this receptor is reexpressed in response stress or injury. AT2R is believed to play a protective role by counteracting the effects of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. AT2R enhances vasodilation, renal sodium excretion, and nitric oxide production. AT2R also has antiproliferation, antihypertrophy, and anti-inflammation effects. The role of AT2R in human health and disease is not well established yet, mainly due to the lack of tools to manipulate this receptor. With the recent development of an AT2R nonpeptide agonist, the function of this receptor and its role in disease management is being investigated.J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.