Angiotensin II human acetate

Angiotensin II human acetate (Angiotensin II acetate) is a vasoconstrictor that mainly acts on the AT1 receptor. Angiotensin II human acetate stimulates sympathetic nervous stimulation, increases aldosterone biosynthesis and renal actions. Angiotensin II human acetate induces growth of vascular smooth muscle cells, increases collagen type I and III synthesis in fibroblasts, leading to thickening of the vascular wall and myocardium, and fibrosis. Angiotensin II human acetate also induces apoptosis[1][2].

Most of the known actions of Angiotensin II (Ang II) are mediated by AT1 receptors, the AT2 receptor contributes to the regulation of blood pressure and renal function[1]. Angiotensin II raises blood pressure (BP) by a number of actions, the most important ones being vasoconstriction, sympathetic nervous stimulation, increased aldosterone biosynthesis and renal actions. Other Angiotensin II actions include induction of growth, cell migration, and mitosis of vascular smooth muscle cells, increased synthesis of collagen type I and III in fibroblasts, leading to thickening of the vascular wall and myocardium, and fibrosis. These actions are mediated by type 1 Ang II receptors (AT1)[2]. At the cellular level, responsiveness to Angiotensin II is conferred by the expression of the two classes of angiotensin receptors (AT1 and AT2). The effects of Angiotensin II to increase blood pressure are mediated by AT1 receptors[3].

To distinguish the AT1 receptor population that is critical for the pathogenesis of hypertension, osmotic minipumps are implanted s.c. into each animal to infuse Angiotensin II (1,000 ng/kg/min) continuously for 4 weeks. Angiotensin II causes hypertension by activating AT1 receptors in the kidney promoting sodium reabsorption[3].

[1]. de Gasparo M, et al. International union of pharmacology. XXIII. The angiotensin II receptors. Pharmacol Rev. 2000 Sep;52(3):415-72. [2]. Fyhrquist F, et al. Role of angiotensin II in blood pressure regulation and in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disorders. J Hum Hypertens. 1995 Nov;9 Suppl 5:S19-24. [3]. Crowley SD, et al. Angiotensin II causes hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy through its receptors in the kidney. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 Nov 21;103(47):17985-90.