Angiotensin II and III suppress food intake via angiotensin AT2 receptor and prostaglandin EP4 receptor in mice

Intracerebroventricularly administered angiotensin (Ang) II and III dose-dependently suppressed food intake in mice and their anorexigenic activities were inhibited by AT2 receptor-selective antagonist. Ang II did not suppress food intake in AT2 receptor-knockout mice, while it did significantly in wild-type and AT1 receptor-knockout mice. The suppression of food intake in AT1 receptor-knockout mice was smaller than that in wild-type. The anorexigenic activities of Ang II and III were also blocked by a selective antagonist for prostaglandin EP4 receptor. Taken together, centrally administered Ang II and III may decrease food intake through AT2 receptor with partial involvement of AT1 receptor, followed by EP4 receptor activation, which is a novel pathway regulating food intake.