G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of membrane receptors, with high potential for drug discovery. These receptors can be activated by a panel of different ligands including ions, hormones, small molecules, and vasoactive peptides. Among those, angiotensins [angiotensin II (AngII) and angiotensin 1-7] are the major biologically active products of the classical and ...

Effects of angiotensins II (AngII), angiotensin IV (AngIV, 3-8 fragment of angiotensin II) and losartan (an antagonist of angiotensin receptor type 1) on the proliferation of adrenocortical cells in ovariectomized rats have been studied. The incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) into cell nuclei was used as an index of cell proliferation. AngIV decreased BrdU labeling index mainly in the re...

The pancreas is a relative newcomer to the stable of tissues with an intrinsic angiotensin-generating system. The involvement of this system in pancreatic activity will be dependent on the angiotensin-generating paths present in the pancreas and their precise cellular location. Thus far, renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II and AT1 and AT2 receptors have been found. These ...

Normal, unstimulated alveolar macrophages (AM) and monocytes (Mo) from both mice and rats have been shown to exhibit an angiotensin-I-forming enzyme. This protease has a similar or identical molecular weight to plasma renin as judged by HPLC analysis. In addition, the enzyme activity could be almost completely inhibited by a specific antibody to pure mouse submaxillary gland renin. This indicat...

16518-23. 4. Kohara K, Tabuchi Y, Senanayake P. Brosnihan KB, Ferrario CM. Reassessment of plasma angiotensins measurement: effects of pro. tease inhibitors and sample handling procedures. Peptides 1991:12:1135-41. 5. Welches WR, Santos RAS, Chappell MC, Brosnihan KB, Greene U, Ferrario CM. Evidence that prolyl endopeptidase participates in the processing of brain angiotensin. I Hypertens 1991:...

The etfect of activating the renin-angietensin system on the metabolism of angiotensins (ANGs) in normotesusiye human plasma was inyestigated. In normotensiye supine human plasma, four peptides with in vitro angietensin I-conyerting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity which correspond to the sequence of ANG (3-8), ANG (4-8), ANG (S-8), and ANG (3--4) existed at a concentration of >39 frnellml of p...