Membrane stretch and angiotensin II type 1a receptor: causes and role in the myogenic response

The ligand-independent activation of Angiotensin II type 1 receptors following vascular stretch plays very important (patho) physiological roles. Indeed, recent studies have implicated this mechanism in cardiac hypertrophy under conditions of pressure overload and it has shown to be indispensable in the regulation of the myogenic response in smooth muscle cells of small resistance arteries, as well as mesenteric and renal resistance arteries. The information discussed in here will highlight the involvement of the mechanoactivation of the Angiotensin II type I receptors in the development of the myogenic response and the molecular mechanisms modulating them following activation.