Modulation of K+ and Ca2+ currents in cultured neurons by an angiotensin II type 1a receptor peptide

Experiments were performed to study the regions of the octapeptide angiotensin II (ANG II) type I (AT1) receptor involved in the initiation of intracellular changes that lead to changes in intracellular K (IK) and intracellular Ca (ICa). Results indicated the importance of the third cytoplasmic loop of the AT1a receptor in the activation of G protein and the regulation of IK and ICa. A mechanism that was postulated for the significance of the third loop in the processes was its ability to bind to ANG II and change the conformation of the G protein.