Vascular angiotensin II actions mediated by angiotensin II type 2 receptors.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the major effector peptide of the renin-angiotensin system and acts at two major receptors known as Ang II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) and Ang II type 2 receptor (AT(2)R). Increasingly, there is evidence suggesting that the AT(2)R counter-regulates the excitatory effects of AT(1)R stimulation. In this review, we have focused on pharmacodynamic and trophic components of AT(2)R with respect to vascular function, and put the current status of vascular AT(2)R research in the context of a potential role for this ATR subtype in the therapeutic effects of AT(1)R antagonists.