Angiotensin II type 1 receptor-modulated signaling pathways in neurons

Mammalian brain contains high densities of angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 ( AT(1)) receptors, localized mainly to specific nuclei within the hypothalam us and brainstem regions. Neuronal AT(1) receptors within these areas media te the stimulatory actions of central Ang II on blood pressure, water and s odium intake, and vasopressin secretion, effects that involve the modulatio n of brain noradrenergic pathways. This review focuses on the intracellular events that mediate the functional effects of Ang II in neurons, via AT(1) receptors. The signaling pathways involved in short-term changes in neuron al activity, membrane ionic currents, norepinephrine (NE) release, and long er-term neuromodulatory actions of Ang II are discussed. It will be apparen t from this discussion that the signaling pathways involved in these events are often distinct.