ANGIOTENSINS INDUCE THE RELEASE OF PROSTACYCLIN FROM RABBIT VAS-DEFERENS - EVIDENCE FOR RECEPTOR HETEROGENEITY

Angiotensin II and angiotensin III stimulated prostacyclin release in a time- and dose-dependent manner in both the prostatic and the non-pr ostatic part of the rabbit vas deferens. Also, angiotensin I enhanced the production of prostacyclin and its effect was blocked by captopril . Losartan, a type 1 (angiotensin AT(1))-selective receptor antagonist , prevented the angiotensin II-induced prostacyclin release. The agoni st peptide, p-aminophenylalanine(6) angiotensin II, and the type 2 (an giotensin AT(2))-selective receptor antagonist, PD123319, were found a ctive only in the prostatic portion, suggesting heterogeneity of the r eceptor population. In conclusion, an angiotensin AT(1) receptor mostl y mediates the angiotensin-induced release of prostacyclin in the rabb it vas deferens.