Behavioural and cardiovascular effects of disrupting the angiotensin II type-2 receptor gene in mice

The blood pressure regulator angiotensin binds to two receptors, including the type-2 G-protein-coupled receptor (AT2). This receptor participates in the central nervous system and cardiovascular activities which are regulated by the renin-angiotensin system. In mice devoid of the gene encoding the AT2 receptor, an abnormal drinking response to water deficiency and a rise in vasopressin response to injection of angiotensin II are observed. The embryonic growth and baseline blood pressure are uninfluenced.