INTERACTIONS OF ANGIOTENSIN-II WITH CENTRAL CATECHOLAMINES

There is a large body of anatomical and functional evidence supporting an interaction between brain angiotensin and central catecholamine sy stems. Angiotensin II AT1 receptors have been identified on dopamine c ontaining cells in the substantia nigra and striatum of human brain us ing receptor autoradiography. Using in vivo microdialysis we have demo nstrated that locally administered angiotensin II stimulates dopamine release from the striatum of conscious rats. Since some angiotensin re ceptor antagonists and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors can cr oss the blood brain barrier it is possible that they interact with the brain catecholaminergic systems.