Angiotensin receptor blocker selectivity at the AT1- and AT2-receptors: conceptual and clinical effects.
The advent of specific angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers (ARBs) some ten years ago has provided substantial information on the specific actions of the AT1- and AT2-receptors. Most of the early research concentrated on the AT1-receptor, and the actions and biological roles of the AT2-receptor are much less well characterised. The AT2-receptor is involved in the inhibition of cell proliferation, and in cell differentiation and development, regeneration and apoptosis. By raising local Ang II concentrations at the AT2-receptor, selective blocking of the AT1-receptor may therefore have beneficial effects. This concept may be important for antihypertensive therapy and in cardiovascular disease in general.
Unger
T
T
Institute of Pharmacology, Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany. th.unger@pharmakologie.uni-kiel.de
Sandmann
S
S
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D044139:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1; D044139:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2