Immunohistochemical Localization of AT1a, AT1b, and AT2 Angiotensin II Receptor Subtypes in the Rat Adrenal, Pituitary, and Brain with a Perspective Commentary. (14th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Premer, Courtney; Lamondin, Courtney; Mitzey, Ann; Speth, Robert C.; Brownfield, Mark S.
• Other Names: Vanderheyden Patrick Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hypertension. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-03-14
• Subjects: Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension; Hypertension; Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/175428
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-0384

Abstract

Abstract : Angiotensin II increases blood pressure and stimulates thirst and sodium appetite in the brain. It also stimulates secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal zona glomerulosa and epinephrine from the adrenal medulla. The rat has 3 subtypes of angiotensin II receptors: AT 1a, AT 1b, and AT2 . mRNAs for all three subtypes occur in the adrenal and brain. To immunohistochemically differentiate these receptor subtypes, rabbits were immunized with C-terminal fragments of these subtypes to generate receptor subtype-specific antibodies. Immunofluorescence revealed AT 1a and AT2 receptors in adrenal zona glomerulosa and medulla. AT 1b immunofluorescence was present in the zona glomerulosa, but not the medulla. Ultrastructural immunogold labeling for the AT 1a receptor in glomerulosa and medullary cells localized it to plasma membrane, endocytic vesicles, multivesicular bodies, and the nucleus. AT 1b and AT2, but not AT 1a, immunofluorescence was observed in the anterior pituitary. Stellate cells were AT 1b positive while ovoid cells were AT2 positive. In the brain, neurons were AT 1a, AT 1b, and AT2 positive, but glia was only AT 1b positive. Highest levels of AT 1a, AT 1b, and AT2 receptor immunofluorescence were in the subfornical organ, median eminence, area postrema, paraventricular nucleus, and solitary tract nucleus. These studies complement those employing different techniques to characterize Ang II receptors.