Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AR-II blockers)

Question 1

What do angiotensin II receptor antagonists do?

Answer 1

• inhibit the binding of angiotensin II

Question 2

What type of membrane receptors are present on smooth muscle to receive stimulus from angiotensin II and vasoconstrict?

Answer 2

• GCPR, specifically Gaq
• phospholipase C cleaves PiP2
• forms IP3 and DAG
• IP3 stimulates ⬆️ Ca2+ release
• Ca2+ and DAG activate protein kinase C

Question 3

Which GPCR are all angiotensin II receptors?

Answer 3

• Gaq

Question 4

What is the most commonly prescribed angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AR-II blockers), and generally the first and most commonly prescribed medication for hypertension?

Answer 4

• Losartan

Question 5

When treating hypertension, we need to remember how to calculate BP, which is cardiac output (CO) x systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Therefore what are the main effects on CO and/or SVR that angiotensin II receptor inhibitors have?

Answer 5

• ⬇️ systemic vascular resistance