Angiotensin II AT2 receptors expression in Substantia Nigra

BRUERA MANUEL; ARCE MARIA ELENA; SANCHEZ SUSANA INES; CIUFFO GLADYS MARIA

Mendoza

Congreso; XXXIV REUNIÓN CIENTIFICA ANUAL DE LA SOCIEDAD DE BIOLOGÍA DE CUYO; 2016

SOCIEDAD DE BIOLOGIA DE CUYO

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been recognized for its critical role in physiological regulation of arterial pressure as well as sodium and fluid homeostasis. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the major effector component of RAS and recognizes two receptor subtypes: AT1 (AT1R) and AT2 receptors (AT2R). There is evidence about a role of the central RAS in the establishment of Parkinson disease and other neurological disorders. AT2R has been implicated in processes occurring during brain development and tissue regeneration. AT2R is widely distributed in fetal tissue, but their expression is dramatically decreased after birth. In adult animals, AT2R expression is restricted to a few organs and limited brain areas. The mesencephalic nucleus Substantia nigra (SN) plays a pivotal role in the control of movement, acting as a major input and output center of the basal ganglia. Conflicting results have been reported concerning the distribution of AT2R in the striatum and the SN of mammals. Data about the distribution of AT2R in animal models of Parkinson disease are limited to a few studies.The aim of this work was to study the localization of AT2R in SN of adult rats. We investigated the expression of AT2R gene in SN of Wistar adult rats, detected and semiquantified it by multiplex RT-PCR. We observed the presence of AT2R mRNA in SN by RT-PCR. Indirect immunofluorescence staining with anti-AT2 receptor primary antibody revealed scattered immunoreactive cells in SN. AT2R might play an important role in neuroregeneration of damaged cerebral areas. Additional research is required in order to further unravel the implications of the RAS in Parkinson disease.