Angiotensin II receptor types 1A, 1B, and 2 in murine neuroblastoma neuro-2a cells

In this study, the mouse neuroblastoma cell line Neuro-2a was analyzed for expression of angiotensin II receptors. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that Neuro-2a cells express mRNA of angiotensin II (AngII) receptor subtypes AT(1A), AT(1B), and AT(2). Analysis of Neuro-2a cells by Western blotting revealed AT(1) and AT(2) receptor protein expression. The predominant molecular weights were determined to be 50.4 kDa for the AT(1) receptor and 62.4 kDa for the AT(2) receptor. Observation of AT(1) and AT(2) receptor localization within Neuro-2a cells using immumocytochemistry showed distribution similar to other G-protein coupled receptors with diffuse distribution in the cytosol, perinuclear enrichment and accumulation of receptors on the outer cellular periphery with extension into the neurites. Furthermore, we observed InSP3 formation following AngII induction that could be abolished in presence of the AT(1A) receptor antagonist losartan. The results clearly show expression of the AngII receptor types AT(1A) and AT(2) in the Neuro-2a cell line. We conclude that Neuro-2a cells represent an interesting model cell line for study of mechanisms that control the interplay between these receptors.