Cardiac senescence is associated with enhanced expression of angiotensin II receptor subtypes

Recent studies have pointed out the differential role of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor subtypes, AT(1) and AT(2), in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis during pathological cardiac growth. Because senescence is characterized by an important cardiovascular remodeling, we examined the age-related expression of cardiac Ang II receptors in rats. AT(1) and AT(2) receptor subtype messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were quantitated by RT-PCR. In parallel, specific Ang II densities were determined in competition binding experiments using specific antagonists. AT(1a) and AT(1b) mRNA levels were markedly up-regulated (5.6-fold) in the left ventricle of 24-month-old rats compared with 8-month-old rats, but not in the right ventricle. In contrast, AT(2) gene expression was increased in both ventricles of senescent rats (4.2- and 2.8-fold in the left and right ventricles, respectively). Similarly, AT(1) and AT(2) gene expression was increased 2.3- and 2-fold, respectively, in freshly isolated cardiomyocytes from aged rats. Furthermore, AT(1) and AT(2) specific binding was increased in the aged left ventricular myocardium. Even though the mechanistic pathway of this up-regulation of Ang II receptor subtype gene expression might be intrinsic to developmental gene reprogramming, the up-regulation of AT(1) mRNA accumulation in the left ventricle during aging could also be secondary to age-related hemodynamic changes, whereas increased AT(2) gene expression in both ventricles may depend upon hormonal and humoral factors.