Cross talk between kinin and angiotensin II receptors in mouse abdominal aorta

Abstract Bradykinin (BK) is a vasorelaxant, algesic and inflammatory agent. Angiotensin II (AngII) is known to control vascular tone and promote growth, inflammation and artherogenesis. There is evidence for cross talking between BK and AngII receptors. Therefore the impact of lack of kinin receptors was assessed in mice with genetic disruption of B(1) or B(2) and both receptors. Responsiveness of abdominal aortic rings to BK and AngII as well as the receptor gene expression of both peptides were analysed. Although no specific phenotype was displayed in the normotensive and healthy mice lacking the kinin receptors, it was found that the expression levels of the remaining kinin receptor mRNA was decreased. AT(1) receptor mRNA level was also reduced, indicating that kinin receptors regulate AngII receptors. Downregulation of the receptors was well correlated with reduction in the reactivity of both agonists to induce contraction of aortic rings, but other signal regulations must be sought in these transgenic mice. We conclude that cross talk between kinin and AngII receptors occurs in the mice abdominal aorta and that both peptides may regulate the initiation and progression of important pathophysiological processes such as hypertension and inflammation