Protective role of the angiotensin AT2 receptor in a renal wrap hypertension model

We evaluated the role of the renal angiotensin II type 2 (AT(2)) receptor in blood pressure regulation in rats with 2-kidney, I figure-8 wrap (Grollman) hypertension. Renal wrapping increased systolic blood pressure (SBP). Renal interstitial fluid (RIF) bradykinin (BK), nitric oxide end-products (NOX), and cGMP were higher in the contralateral intact kidney than in the wrapped kidney. In rats with Grollman hypertension, losartan normalized SEP and increased renal function, RIF BK, NOX, and cGMP only in contralateral kidneys. In contrast, PD 123319, a specific AT(2)-receptor antagonist, significantly increased SEP and decreased RTF BK, NOX, and cGMP in both kidneys. Combined administration of losartan and PD 123319 prevented the decrease in SEP and the increase in RIF BK, NOX, and cGMP levels observed with losartan alone. BK-receptor blockade caused a significant increase in RIF BK and a decrease in RIF NOX and cGMP in both kidneys similar to that observed during administration of PD 123319. In rats that underwent sham operation, RIF BK increased in response to angiotensin LI, an effect that was blocked by PD 123319. These data demonstrate that angiotensin II mediates renal production of BK, which, in turn, releases nitric oxide and cGMP via stimulation of AT(2) receptors. The increase in blood pressure and the decrease in renal BK, nitric oxide, and cGMP during AT(2)-receptor blockade suggests that the AT(2) receptor mediates counterregulatory vasodilation in Grollman hypertension and prevents a further increase in blood pressure.