In the present study the existence of a non-AT1, non-AT2angiotensin (Ang) binding site unmasked by the organomercurial protease inhibitor p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB) was demonstrated in mouse brain membranes, consistent with observations previously reported in the rat (Karamyan and Speth, 2007b). The pharmacological specificity of the non-AT1, non-AT2angiotensin binding site was similar to the rat brain: Sar1-Ile8-Ang II > Ang III ≥ Ang II > Ang I> p-aminophenylalanine6Ang II> CGP42112 >> Ang IV > Ang 1-7 ≅ shorter angiotensin fragments. Neurotensin, bradykinin, and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone showed Kivalues > 10 μM, while substance P and VIP had Kivalues of ~ 2 μM. The non-AT1, non-AT2angiotensin binding site was not present in adrenal, liver or kidney. Subcellular fractionation showed a higher density of [125I]Ang II binding in plasma membrane (P2) fractions of cerebral cortex and hypothalamus relative to debris (P1) fractions. The binding site is present in the brains of mice in which the AT1a, AT1b, AT2, Mas, and neprilysin (EC 3.4.24.11, neutral endopeptidase) was knocked out confirming that the binding site is not a heretofore described angiotensin receptor or neprilysin. These observations confirm that this novel Ang binding site is distinct from classical AT1, AT2, AT4and Ang 1-7 receptors while retaining a high specificity for angiotensins that act on the known angiotensin receptors. Whether this binding site functions as a novel receptor for angiotensins or a specific angiotensinase with variable functionality at different redox states will require further study.

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doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.05.035, hdl.handle.net/1765/28963
European Journal of Pharmacology
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Karamyan, V., Gembardt, F., Rabey, F., Walther, T., & Speth, R. (2008). Characterization of the brain-specific non-AT1, non-AT2 angiotensin binding site in the mouse. European Journal of Pharmacology, 590(1-3), 87–92. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.05.035