Molecular cloning and expression of angiotensin II type 2 receptor gene.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been known as one of potent vasoactive peptides which also regulates fluid homeostasis, blood pressure, drinking behavior, aldosterone release, peripheral norepinephrine release, cell proliferation and hypertrophy (1–3). These diversity of specific physiological effects of Ang II has suggested possible presence of subtypes of Ang II receptor. While the recognition of reducing agent-sensitive and -insensitive Ang II receptors had suggested the possibility of multiple subtypes (4), the question remained unresolved until the development of new peptide and non-peptidic antagonists of the Ang II receptor (5–7). These compounds turned out to be isoform specific and powerful tools for the characterization and isolation of the Ang II receptors and receptor genes.