Differential Effects of Angiotensin II on Cardiac Cell Proliferation and Intramyocardial Perivascular Fibrosis In Vivo

Abstract

These results indicate direct, differential effects of Ang II on proliferation of atrial and ventricular nonmyocytes. VSMC and fibroblast proliferation is AT1 receptor-dependent, whereas myoendothelial cells are controlled by an AT1-independent mechanism. The effects are independent of aldosterone and blood pressure and have important implications in renin-dependent hypertension and chronic cardiac failure when circulating Ang II is elevated.