Angiotensin II, type 2 receptor in the development of vesico-ureteric reflux

Objective To investigate if mutation of the angiotensin II (Ang II) recepto rs AT2 is involved in primary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) in humans. Patients and methods Genetic polymorphisms in the AT1 and AT2 receptors was evaluated in 23 patients having the most common congenital urological abno rmality. namely primary congenital VUR. The occurrence of the A1166C transi tion in the AT2 receptor gene and the A-1332G transition in the AT2 recepto r gene were evaluated and compared with the incidence in normal controls wi th no urological abnormalities. Result The distribution of the AT1 receptor genotypes was no different betw een patients with VUR and healthy controls. Furthermore, 10 of 23 (44%) pat ients with VUR and seven of 19 (42%) controls carried the AT2 receptor gene variation, These results contrast with our previous finding of an associat ion between the A-1332G transition in the AT2 receptor gene and primary obs tructive megaureter, and pelviureteric junction obstruction. Conclusions We propose that while the AT2 receptor is crucial for the norma l development of the meter, it does not contribute to the processes which c ulminate in VUR, which is primarily an abnormality in the bladder trigone.