The effects of angiotensin II and specific angiotensin receptor blockers on embryonic cardiac development and looping patterns.

The role of angiotensin II (Ang II) in the early embryonic development of the heart has not been examined. We have used RT-PCR to identify mRNA for angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and the Ang II AT1 and AT2 receptors in embryonic day 10.25 Sprague-Dawley rats, and have used confocal microscopy to localize the AT1 receptor to the greater curvature of the developing ventricle in these animals at embryonic days (ED) 9.25 and 10.25. The antibodies used in immunolocalization studies did not distinguish between the AT1a and AT1b receptor subtypes. In whole embryo culture, Ang II added to the culture media resulted in increased ventricular growth and myocyte hypertrophy when treated embryos were compared to cultured littermate controls. Use of Losartan and PD123,319 to block the Ang II AT1 and AT2 receptors resulted in reduced ventricular development and cardiac dilation when compared to control and Ang II-treated embryos. Addition of Ang II and PD123,319 to the culture media also resulted in cardiac loop inversions which may be associated with disruption of normal myofibrillar development. These results clearly indicate an important role for Ang II in the early embryonic development of the heart.