Localization of angiotensin II receptor subtypes AT(1) and AT(2) in the pancreas of rodents

Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of several key components of the renin-angiotensin system in the pancreas. In the present study, the: localization of angiotensin II receptor subtypes, type I (AT(1)) and type II (AT(2)), in the mouse and the rat pancreas was studied by immunocytochemistry using specific antipeptide antibodies against the second extracellular loops of AT(1) and AT(2) receptors in conjunction with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the mouse, immunoreactivity for AT(1) and AT(2) was observed predominantly in the endothelia of the blood vessels and the epithelia of the pancreatic ductal system. Similar distribution of immunoreactivity for AT(1) and AT(2) was also observed. However, the intensity of immunoreactivity for AT(1) and AT(2) was stronger in the rat than that found in the mouse pancreas. Much weaker immunostaining for both AT(1) and AT(2), as compared with that found in ductal regions, was also found in the acini of the rodent pancreas. Together with the previous findings, the present results suggest that AT(1) and/or AT(2) receptors may play a role in regulating pancreatic functions in the rodent.