Immunohistochemical demonstration of angiotensin II receptors in rat brain by use of an anti-idiotypic antibody.

In the present study we investigated the ability of an anti-idiotypic antibody which recognizes angiotensin II (AII) receptors to demonstrate the presence of such receptors under immunohistochemical conditions. The experiments revealed punctate immunoreactive granules on neurons of the nucleus supraopticus and of the nucleus paraventricularis of the hypothalamus. This localization of AII receptors is consistent with the findings obtained using other experimental approaches to the brain renin-angiotensin system. The conclusion of this study is that the applied anti-idiotypic antibody seems to be a reliable tool for mapping AII receptor distribution. The established experimental approaches to AII receptors are thus now supplemented with the possibility of immunohistochemical investigation. Moreover, the possible microscopic analysis of AII receptors on distinct cells will allow studies at an ultrastructural level.