LOCALIZATION OF ANGIOTENSIN-II RECEPTOR SUBTYPES AT(1) AND AT(2) IN THE PANCREAS OF RODENTS

Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of several key compon ents of the renin-angiotensin system in the pancreas. In the present s tudy, the: localization of angiotensin II receptor subtypes, type I (A T(1)) and type II (AT(2)), in the mouse and the rat pancreas was studi ed by immunocytochemistry using specific antipeptide antibodies agains t the second extracellular loops of AT(1) and AT(2) receptors in conju nction with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the mouse, immunore activity for AT(1) and AT(2) was observed predominantly in the endothe lia of the blood vessels and the epithelia of the pancreatic ductal sy stem. Similar distribution of immunoreactivity for AT(1) and AT(2) was also observed. However, the intensity of immunoreactivity for AT(1) a nd AT(2) was stronger in the rat than that found in the mouse pancreas . Much weaker immunostaining for both AT(1) and AT(2), as compared wit h that found in ductal regions, was also found in the acini of the rod ent pancreas. Together with the previous findings, tile present result s suggest that AT(1) and/or AT(2) receptors may play a role in regulat ing pancreatic functions ill the rodent.