Cardiovascular · Octapeptide hormone
Angiotensin II
Also known as Ang II
A potent octapeptide vasoconstrictor used in cardiovascular research to study hypertension, fluid balance, and AT1 receptor signaling.
- Length
- 8 amino acids
- Half-life
- Less than 1 minute (in circulation)
- Mechanism
- Binds primarily to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) to induce potent vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and cellular growth.
- Studied in
- A reference compound with a clinical history, it is a standard reagent used to induce vasoconstriction in ex vivo tissues and to study hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling in animal models.
About Angiotensin II
Angiotensin II is an octapeptide that is the primary bioactive product of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). It is formed from its precursor, angiotensin I, by the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), mainly in the lungs. Due to its potent physiological effects, it is a central molecule in cardiovascular research.
This peptide is the principal effector of the RAS, causing intense vasoconstriction and an increase in blood pressure. Its actions are mediated primarily through the G-protein coupled angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). In laboratory settings, it is widely used in isolated blood vessel preparations to assess vascular reactivity and in animal models to induce hypertension and study subsequent cardiac and vascular remodeling.
Laboratory notes
- Extremely potent vasoactive agent; careful serial dilution is required to achieve desired experimental concentrations.
- Due to rapid degradation by peptidases, solutions should be prepared fresh immediately before use.
- Store lyophilised peptide strictly at -20°C or below, desiccated and protected from light.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Angiotensin II
What is the primary receptor for Angiotensin II?
Most of the well-characterised cardiovascular effects of Angiotensin II are mediated by the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R).
How is Angiotensin II formed?
It is enzymatically cleaved from its inactive 10-amino acid precursor, Angiotensin I, by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
What is a common use for Angiotensin II in ex vivo experiments?
It is frequently used as a standard contractile agent in organ bath experiments with isolated aortic rings or other vascular tissues to study vasoconstriction and test potential vasodilators.
Is Angiotensin II for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
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