Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) localizes to mitochondria of renal tubules and modifies mitochondrial function in early stages of type 1 diabetes in rats

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased activity of the local Renin-Angiotensin-System. Aim: This study aimed to verify the existence of mitochondrial AT2Rs and their role in DN. Methods: AT2Rs on mitochondria were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry using kidney sections of AT2R overexpressing transgenic rats (TGR) and AT2R-knockout mice and by receptor binding studies on isolated mitochondria. Mitochondrial functions (oxygen consumption, ATP-, superoxide- and H2O2-production) were evaluated in isolated mitochondria from TGR and respective wildtyp contro…