Changes in expression of angiotensin receptor subtypes in the rat aorta during development.

Quantitative autoradiography was used to characterize angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors, in the rat aorta at three developmental ages; embryonic day 18 (E18), and postnatal weeks 2 and 8. The expression of angiotensin receptors was higher in the aorta of E18 and 2-week-old rat. A major proportion of the angiotensin receptors expressed in the aorta at these two ages was AT2 (84 and 81% respectively). Conversely, in the aorta of 8-week-old rats, AT1 was the predominant angiotensin receptor subtype (71%). In 8-week-old rats, the AT2 subtype was also present (28%). In pre- and postnatal rats, [125I]Sar1-angiotensin II binding to AT1 receptors was sensitive to GTP gamma S whereas binding to AT2 receptors was not. AT2 receptors may serve an important role during stages of rapid growth of the aorta, and also have a significant function in the adult vasculature.