Angiotensin II receptors, AT1 and AT2 in the rat epididymis. Immunocytochemical and electrophysiological studies.

• Previous work from our laboratory has provided evidence for the presence of a tissue renin-angiotensin system in the rat epididymis. In the current investigation, the regional localization of angiotensin II receptors, type I (AT1) and type II (AT2) was studied immunocytochemically using specific anti-peptide antibodies against the second extracellular loops of AT1 and AT2 receptors, and pharmacologically using specific receptor antagonists in conjunction with the short-circuit current technique. The immunocytochemical results showed that AT1 and AT2 immunoreactivities were predominantly localized in the basal region of the epididymal epithelium. Electrophysiological studies using the short-circuit current technique demonstrated a stimulatory effect of basolaterally applied angiotensin II on the epididymal electrogenic ion transport. This effect was inhibitable by the addition of AT1 antagonist, losartan but not by AT2 antagonist, PD123177, indicating a functional role of AT1 in epididymal electrolyte transport. The present finding suggests that angiotensin II receptors may play an important role in the regulation of epididymal function.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Fysiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Physiology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Cell- och molekylärbiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Cell and Molecular Biology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Animals

Anions

metabolism

Electrophysiology

Epididymis

metabolism

Fluorescent Antibody Technique

Ion Transport

Male

Rats

Receptor

Angiotensin

Type 1

Receptor

Angiotensin

Type 2

Receptors

Angiotensin

analysis

antagonists & inhibitors

metabolism

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

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