In vitro autoradiographic localization of [125I]-angiotensin II binding sites in the rat and dog kidney.

Light microscopic autoradiographic techniques have been utilized to demonstrate specific regions of the rat and dog kidney where angiotensin II receptors exist. Slide mounted tissue sections were labeled with [125I]-angiotensin II using conditions which provided for highly specific binding. These angiotensin II binding sites were localized to several distinct renal structures. In the renal cortex, angiotensin II binding sites were found concentrated in all parts of the glomeruli including the vascular components, the macula densa and the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Angiotensin II binding in the medulla was more diffusely associated with the vasa recta, and to a lesser extent, the thick ascending segment of the loop of Henle. Binding sites specific for angiotensin II were also found in the smooth muscle laminae of the ureter. Scatchard analysis of the binding kinetics allowed the demonstration of two subpopulations of binding sites which differ slightly in their affinities for [125I]-angiotensin II. These subpopulations appear to be associated with distinct components of the renal structure.