摘要
Angiotensinogen is a member of the serpin family. It is produced constitutively and released into the circulation mainly by the liver. Angiotensinogen forms angiotensin Ⅰ by action of the circulated renin released from the kidney. Angiotensin Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ）, an octapeptide hormone with sequence Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe,is converted from angiotensin Ⅰ through removal of two terminal residues by the angiotensin-converting enzyme （ACE） mostly catalyzed in the lung.1 This peptide binds to two subtype receptors, angiotensin type 1 receptor （AT1R） and angiotensin type 2 receptor （AT2R）,members of the superfamily of heptahelical G protein coupled receptors, with different affinities.2 It is well known that AT1R and AT2R crosstalk and lead to counterregulatory functions in many systems, especially the cardiovascular system.3 Accumulating data established the roles of AT1R in the classic actions of Ang Ⅱ including vasoconstriction and cardiovascular hypertrophy, whereas AT2R is suggested to exert direct functions in vasodilation and antigrowth effects.4 Recent publications provide new insights into the roles of AT2R with increasing responsibilities. Recent progresses in AT2R research are reviewed in this article.
Angiotensinogen is a member of the serpin family. It is produced constitutively and released into the circulation mainly by the liver. Angiotensinogen forms angiotensin Ⅰ by action of the circulated renin released from the kidney. Angiotensin Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ）, an octapeptide hormone with sequence Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe,is converted from angiotensin Ⅰ through removal of two terminal residues by the angiotensin-converting enzyme （ACE） mostly catalyzed in the lung.1 This peptide binds to two subtype receptors, angiotensin type 1 receptor （AT1R） and angiotensin type 2 receptor （AT2R）,members of the superfamily of heptahelical G protein coupled receptors, with different affinities.2 It is well known that AT1R and AT2R crosstalk and lead to counterregulatory functions in many systems, especially the cardiovascular system.3 Accumulating data established the roles of AT1R in the classic actions of Ang Ⅱ including vasoconstriction and cardiovascular hypertrophy, whereas AT2R is suggested to exert direct functions in vasodilation and antigrowth effects.4 Recent publications provide new insights into the roles of AT2R with increasing responsibilities. Recent progresses in AT2R research are reviewed in this article.
