Angiotensin receptor blocker selectivity at the AT 1 - and AT 2 -receptors: conceptual and clinical effects

The advent of specific angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers (ARBs) some ten years ago has provided substantial information on the specific actions of the AT1- and AT2-receptors. Most of the early research concentrated on the AT1-receptor, and the actions and biological roles of the AT2-receptor are much less well characterised. The AT2-receptor is involved in the inhibition of cell proliferation, and in cell differentiation and development, regeneration and apoptosis. By raising local Ang II concentrations at the AT2-receptor, selective blocking of the AT1-receptor may therefore have beneficial effects. This concept may be important for antihypertensive therapy and in cardiovascular disease in general.