Angiotensin II type 2 receptor signaling attenuates aortic aneurysm in mice through ERK antagonism.

ABSTRACT: Angiotensin II (AngII) mediates progression of aortic aneurysm, but the relative contribution of its type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors remains unknown. We show that loss of AT2 expression accelerates the aberrant growth and rupture of the aorta in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome (MFS). The selective AT1 receptor blocker (ARB) losartan abrogated aneurysm progression in the mice; full protection required intact AT2 signaling. The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) enalapril, which limits signaling through both receptors, was less effective. Both drugs attenuated canonical transforming growth factor-? (TGF?) signaling in the aorta, but losartan uniquely inhibited TGF?-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), by allowing continued signaling through AT2. These data highlight the protective nature of AT2 signaling and potentially inform the choice of therapies in MFS and related disorders.

SUBMITTER: Habashi JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3097422 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature