The AT2 receptor - A matter of love and hate

In 1989, the development of specific angiotensin receptor antagonists which distinguish between two angiotensin receptor subtypes (AT1 and AT2) led to a breakthrough in angiotensin research. It turned out, that the AT I receptor was almost entirely responsible for the classical actions of angiotensin II related to the regulation of blood pressure as well as volume and electrolyte balance. However, actions and signal transduction mechanisms coupled to the AT2 receptor remained enigmatic for a long time. The present review surnmarizes the current knowledge of AT2 receptor distribution, signaling and function with an emphasis on growth/anti-growth, differentiation and the regeneration of neuronal tissue. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.