Angiotensin receptor blocker selectivity at the AT 1 - and AT 2 -receptors: conceptual and clinical effects

Summary

The advent of specific angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers (ARBs) some ten years ago has provided substantial information on the specific actions of the AT₁- and AT₂-receptors. Most of the early research concentrated on the AT1-receptor, and the actions and biological roles of the AT₂-receptor are much less well characterised. The AT₂-receptor is involved in the inhibition of cell proliferation, and in cell differentiation and development, regeneration and apoptosis. By raising local Ang II concentrations at the AT₂-receptor, selective blocking of the AT₁-receptor may therefore have beneficial effects. This concept may be important for antihypertensive therapy and in cardiovascular disease in general.