Angiotensin II type-2 receptor-specific effects on the cardiovascular system

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is intricately involved in cardiovascular homeostasis. It is well known that angiotensin II, the key effector in RAS, contributes to a range of cardiovascular pathologies and diseases via angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1R) activation. However, the role of angiotensin II type-2 receptor (AT2R) regulation is less well understood. Recent studies describe the role of the AT2R on cardiovascular function in normal and pathologic conditions. The data describe an important role of AT2R in blood pressure regulation, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, myocardial infarction and vascular homeostasis.