Angiotensin IV stimulates the activity of tyrosine kinases in rat anterior pituitary gland acting via AT1-like receptors?

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to modulate tyrosine kinases (PTKs) activity in pituitary tumor cells. It is known that AngII is acting via AT1 receptors in many tissues. The aim of this study was to see whether 3-8 fragment of AngII, called angiotensin IV (AngIV) has a similar effect on tyrosine kinase activity in normal pituitary gland and what type of angiotensin receptor is involved in this process. The homogenates of normal rat pituitaries was a source of enzymes. The PTKs activity was determined using the synthetic substrate poly GluTyr and gamma-(32)P-ATP. Ang IV was found to increase the PTK activity in the rat anterior pituitary tissue, with the maximal effect at concentration of 10(-10) M. AngII was ineffective at all concentrations studied. Losartan, a selective AT1 receptor blocker, added together with Ang IV abolished the effect of the latter, however losartan diminished also the PTK activity when applied together with Ang II, but only when it was added immediately before, but not after, the addition of Ang II. The involvement of a non-classic AT1-like receptor is suggested.