Angiotensin receptor

Angiotensin receptor is a type of protein that is found on the surface of cells in various parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. It plays a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin system, which helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.

Structure and Function

The angiotensin receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds to the hormone angiotensin II. This binding triggers a series of reactions within the cell that lead to various physiological effects, such as vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels), increased secretion of aldosterone (a hormone that increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys), and increased thirst.

There are two main types of angiotensin receptors: AT1 and AT2. The AT1 receptor is responsible for most of the known actions of angiotensin II, while the function of the AT2 receptor is less well understood.

Clinical Significance

Because of their role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance, angiotensin receptors are important targets for drugs used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure. These drugs, known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), work by blocking the action of angiotensin II on the AT1 receptor.

In addition, research is ongoing to explore the potential role of angiotensin receptors in other conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and neurological disorders.

See Also

• Renin-angiotensin system
• Angiotensin II
• Angiotensin receptor blockers
• Hypertension
• Heart failure