Transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor by enhanced levels of endogenous angiotensin II contributes to the overexpression of Giα proteins in vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR

► The levels of both AngII and Gi proteins are increased in VSMC from SHR. ► We examine the relationship between the two and the underlying signaling. ► Inhibitors of AT1 receptor and EGFR attenuate the enhanced levels of Gi proteins, pEGFR and pERK1/2. ► c-Src inhibitor and antioxidant also inhibit the enhanced pEGFR. ► Enhanced endogenous Ang II through transactivation of EGFR and MAP kinase signaling enhances the expression of Giα proteins in SHR.