Expression of Ang II Receptors in Fetal Development

MANZUR, MJ, ALVAREZ SE, CIUFFO GM

Rosario, Argentina

Congreso; XL Reunión Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Bioquímica y Biología Molecular- SAIB; 2006

EXPRESSION OF ANG II RECEPTORS IN FETAL DEVELOPMENT Manzur María J, Alvarez Sergio E and Ciuffo Gladys M. Bioquímica Avanzada. Fac. Qca, Bioqca y Fcia. UNSL. Ejército de los Andes 950 (5700) San Luis.  E-mail: mjmanzu@unsl.edu.ar Angiotensin II (Ang II) elicits many physiological effects through binding to membrane receptors, classified by their pharmacological characteristics as AT1 and AT2 receptors. Ang II receptor expression is highly modulated during development suggesting a role of these receptors in growth and organogenesis. In the present work we analyze gene expression of the AT1 and AT2 receptors by RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis in rat fetal tissues. mRNAs of rat hindbrain and whole fetuses at different embryonic stages (E13 to 20) were analyzed by RT-PCR and Northern blot. A good correlation was observed between both methods. Both AT2 and GAPDH gene expression was determined in a multiplex RT-PCR, allowing us to semi-quantify the expression level. In whole fetal tissues the expression level of AT1 R is lower and less abundant than that of AT2 R. mRNA of AT2 receptor was detected at early developmental stage (E13), and increases during development showing maximum level at day E20. In contrast, in hindbrain we did not find expression of AT1 R while low expression of AT2 is present in E19 and increases during development. RT-PCR results correlate with those from Northern blot and are in agreement with previous observations by binding autoradiography and in situ hybridization. The present results support the hypothesis of a potential role of these receptors on development and organogenesis.