High affinity rigidified AT2 receptor ligands with indane scaffolds.

Rigidification of the isobutyl side chain of drug-like AT2 receptor agonists and antagonists that are structurally related to the first reported selective AT2 receptor agonist 1 (C21) delivered bioactive indane derivatives. Four enantiomer pairs were synthesized and the enantiomers were isolated in an optical purity >99%. The enantiomers 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a and 10b bind to the AT2 receptor with moderate (K i = 54-223 nM) to high affinity (K i = 2.2-7.0 nM). The enantiomer with positive optical rotation (+) exhibited the highest affinity at the receptor. The indane derivatives 7b and 10a are among the most potent AT2 receptor antagonists reported so far. As illustrated by the enantiomer pairs 7a/b and 10a/b, an alteration at the stereogenic center has a pronounced impact on the activation process of the AT2 receptor, and can convert agonists to antagonists and vice versa.

Postprandial fatty acid uptake and adipocyte remodeling in angiotensin type 2 receptor-deficient mice fed a high-fat/high-fructose diet.

The role of the angiotensin type-2 receptor in adipose physiology remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate whether genetic angiotensin type-2 receptor-deficiency prevents or worsens metabolic and adipose tissue morphometric changes observed following a 6-week high-fat/high-fructose diet with injection of a small dose of streptozotocin. We compared tissue uptake of nonesterified fatty acid and dietary fatty acid in wild-type and angiotensin type-2 receptor-deficient mice by using the radiotracer 14(R,S)-[(1) (8)F]-fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid in mice fed a standard or high-fat diet. Postprandial fatty acid uptake in the heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and adipose tissue was increased in wild-type mice after a high-fat diet and in angiotensin type-2 receptor-deficient mice on both standard and high-fat diets. Compared to the wild-type mice, angiotensin type-2 receptor-deficient mice had a lower body weight, an increase in fasting blood glucose and a decrease in plasma insulin and leptin levels. Mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited increased adipocyte size that was prevented by angiotensin type-2 receptor-deficiency. Angiotensin type-2 receptor-deficiency abolished the early hypertrophic adipocyte remodeling induced by a high-fat diet. The small size of adipocytes in the angiotensin type-2 receptor-deficient mice reflects their inability to store lipids and explains the increase in fatty acid uptake in non-adipose tissues. In conclusion, a genetic deletion of the angiotensin type-2 receptor is associated with metabolic dysfunction of white adipose depots, and indicates that adipocyte remodeling occurs before the onset of insulin resistance in the high-fat fed mouse model.

60 YEARS OF POMC: Adrenal and extra-adrenal functions of ACTH.

The pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plays a pivotal role in homeostasis and stress response and is thus the major component of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. After a brief summary of ACTH production from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and on ACTH receptor properties, the first part of the review covers the role of ACTH in steroidogenesis and steroid secretion. We highlight the mechanisms explaining the differential acute vs chronic effects of ACTH on aldosterone and glucocorticoid secretion. The second part summarizes the effects of ACTH on adrenal growth, addressing its role as either a mitogenic or a differentiating factor. We then review the mechanisms involved in steroid secretion, from the classical Cyclic adenosine monophosphate second messenger system to various signaling cascades. We also consider how the interaction between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton may trigger activation of signaling platforms potentially stimulating or repressing the steroidogenic potency of ACTH. Finally, we consider the extra-adrenal actions of ACTH, in particular its role in differentiation in a variety of cell types, in addition to its known lipolytic effects on adipocytes. In each section, we endeavor to correlate basic mechanisms of ACTH function with the pathological consequences of ACTH signaling deficiency and of overproduction of ACTH.

Interconversion of Functional Activity by Minor Structural Alterations in Nonpeptide AT2 Receptor Ligands.

Migration of the methylene imidazole side chain in the first reported selective drug-like AT2 receptor agonist C21/M024 (1) delivered the AT2 receptor antagonist C38/M132 (2). We now report that the AT2 receptor antagonist compound 4, a biphenyl derivative that is structurally related to 2, is transformed to the agonist 6 by migration of the isobutyl group. The importance of the relative position of the methylene imidazole and the isobutyl substituent is highlighted herein.

Variability within a pea core collection of LEAM and HSP22, two mitochondrial seed proteins involved in stress tolerance.

LEAM, a late embryogenesis abundant protein, and HSP22, a small heat shock protein, were shown to accumulate in the mitochondria during pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed development, where they are expected to contribute to desiccation tolerance. Here, their expression was examined in seeds of 89 pea genotypes by Western blot analysis. All genotypes expressed LEAM and HSP22 in similar amounts. In contrast with HSP22, LEAM displayed different isoforms according to apparent molecular mass. Each of the 89 genotypes harboured a single LEAM isoform. Genomic and RT-PCR analysis revealed four LEAM genes differing by a small variable indel in the coding region. These variations were consistent with the apparent molecular mass of each isoform. Indels, which occurred in repeated domains, did not alter the main properties of LEAM. Structural modelling indicated that the class A α-helix structure, which allows interactions with the mitochondrial inner membrane in the dry state, was preserved in all isoforms, suggesting functionality is maintained. The overall results point out the essential character of LEAM and HSP22 in pea seeds. LEAM variability is discussed in terms of pea breeding history as well as LEA gene evolution mechanisms.

Saralasin and Sarile Are AT2 Receptor Agonists.

Saralasin and sarile, extensively studied over the past 40 years as angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers, induce neurite outgrowth in a NG108-15 cell assay to a similar extent as the endogenous Ang II. In their undifferentiated state, these cells express mainly the AT2 receptor. The neurite outgrowth was inhibited by preincubation with the AT2 receptor selective antagonist PD 123,319, which suggests that the observed outgrowth was mediated by the AT2 receptor. Neither saralasin nor sarile reduced the neurite outgrowth induced by Ang II proving that the two octapeptides do not act as antagonists at the AT2 receptor and may be considered as AT2 receptor agonists.

Angiotensin II type 2 receptor stimulation improves fatty acid ovarian uptake and hyperandrogenemia in an obese rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is mainly defined by hyperandrogenism but is also characterized by insulin resistance (IR). Studies showed that overexposure of nonadipose tissues to nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) may explain both IR and hyperandrogenism. Recent studies indicate that treatment with an angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R)-selective agonist improves diet-induced IR. We thus hypothesized that PCOS hyperandrogenism is triggered by ovarian NEFA overexposure and is improved after treatment with an AT2R agonist. Experiments were conducted in 12-week-old female JCR:LA-cp/cp rats, which are characterized by visceral obesity, IR, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Control JCR:LA +/? rats have a normal phenotype. Rats were treated for 8 days with saline or the selective AT2R agonist C21/M24 and then assessed for: 1) fasting testosterone, NEFA, and insulin levels; and 2) an iv 14(R,S)-[(18)F]fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid test to determine NEFA ovarian tissue uptake (Km). Compared with controls, saline-treated PCOS/cp rats displayed higher insulin (100 vs 5.6 µU/mL), testosterone (0.12 vs 0.04 nmol/L), NEFA (0.98 vs 0.48 mmol/L), and Km (20.7 vs 12.9 nmol/g·min) (all P < .0001). In PCOS/cp rats, C21/M24 did not significantly improve insulin or NEFA but normalized testosterone (P = .004) and Km (P = .009), which were strongly correlated together in all PCOS/cp rats (ρ = 0.74, P = .009). In conclusion, in an obese PCOS rat model, ovarian NEFA uptake and testosterone levels are strongly associated and are both significantly reduced after short-term C21/M24 therapy. These findings provide new information on the role of NEFA in PCOS hyperandrogenemia and suggest a potential role for AT2R agonists in the treatment of PCOS.

Steroidogenesis-adrenal cell signal transduction.

The purpose of this article is to review fundamentals in adrenal gland histophysiology. Key findings regarding the important signaling pathways involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis and adrenal growth are summarized. We illustrate how adrenal gland morphology and function are deeply interconnected in which novel signaling pathways (Wnt, Sonic hedgehog, Notch, ß-catenin) or ionic channels are required for their integrity. Emphasis is given to exploring the mechanisms and challenges underlying the regulation of proliferation, growth, and functionality. Also addressed is the fact that while it is now well-accepted that steroidogenesis results from an enzymatic shuttle between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, key questions still remain on the various aspects related to cellular uptake and delivery of free cholesterol. The significant progress achieved over the past decade regarding the precise molecular mechanisms by which the two main regulators of adrenal cortex, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and angiotensin II act on their receptors is reviewed, including structure-activity relationships and their potential applications. Particular attention has been given to crucial second messengers and how various kinases, phosphatases, and cytoskeleton-associated proteins interact to ensure homeostasis and/or meet physiological demands. References to animal studies are also made in an attempt to unravel associated clinical conditions. Many of the aspects addressed in this article still represent a challenge for future studies, their outcome aimed at providing evidence that the adrenal gland, through its steroid hormones, occupies a central position in many situations where homeostasis is disrupted, thus highlighting the relevance of exploring and understanding how this key organ is regulated. © 2014 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 4:889-964, 2014.

N-Aryl Isoleucine Derivatives as Angiotensin†II AT2 Receptor Ligands.

A novel series of ligands for the recombinant human AT2 receptor has been synthesized utilizing a fast and efficient palladium-catalyzed procedure for aminocarbonylation as the key reaction. Molybdenum hexacarbonyl [Mo(CO)6] was employed as the carbon monoxide source, and controlled microwave heating was applied. The prepared N-aryl isoleucine derivatives, encompassing a variety of amide groups attached to the aromatic system, exhibit binding affinities at best with K i values in the low micromolar range versus the recombinant human AT2 receptor. Some of the new nonpeptidic isoleucine derivatives may serve as starting points for further structural optimization. The presented data emphasize the importance of using human receptors in drug discovery programs.

Molecular characterization and functional regulation of melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) in the sea bass. A putative role in the adaptation to stress.

The activation of melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) by ACTH mediates the signaling cascade leading to steroid synthesis in the interrenal tissue (analogous to the adrenal cortex in mammals) of fish. However, little is known about the functional regulation of this receptor in fish. In this work described, we cloned sea bass MC2R from a liver cDNA. SbMC2R requires the melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) for its functional expression. Dietary cortisol but not long-term stress protocols downregulated interrenal sbMC2R expression. Data suggest the existence of a negative feedback on interrenal sbMC2R expression imposed by local or systemic glucocorticoids. This feedback could be involved in long-term stress adaptation by regulating interrenal sensitivity to ACTH. ACTH-induced MC2R activation stimulates hepatic lipolysis, suggesting that ACTH may mediate stress-induced effects upstream of cortisol release.

Music and biological stress dampening in mechanically-ventilated patients at the intensive care unit ward-a prospective interventional randomized crossover trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of slow-tempo music listening periods in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients. METHODS: A randomized crossover study was performed in a 16-bed, adult critical care unit at a tertiary care hospital. Still-sedated patients, mandating at least 3 more days of mechanical ventilation, were included. The intervention consisted in two 1-hour daily periods of music-vs-sham-MP3 listening which were performed on Day 1 or 3 post-inclusion, with a Day 2 wash-out. "Before-after" collection of vital signs, recording of daily sedative drug consumption and measurement of stress and inflammatory blood markers were performed. RESULTS: Of 55 randomized patients, 49 were included in the final analyses. Along with music listening, (i) vital signs did not consistently change, whereas narcotic consumption tended to decrease to a similar sedation (P = .06 vs sham-MP3); (ii) cortisol and prolactin blood concentrations decreased, whereas Adreno Cortico Trophic Hormone (ACTH)/cortisol ratio increased (P = .02; P = .038; and P = .015 vs sham-MP3, respectively), (iii) cortisol responders exhibited reversed associated changes in blood mehionine (MET)-enkephalin content (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: In the present trial, music listening is a more sensitive stress-reliever in terms of biological vs clinical response. The hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal axis stress axis is a quick sensor of music listening in responding mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients, through a rapid reduction in blood cortisol.

Evidence for participation of the methionine sulfoxide reductase repair system in plant seed longevity.

Seeds are in a natural oxidative context leading to protein oxidation. Although inevitable for proper progression from maturation to germination, protein oxidation at high levels is detrimental and associated with seed aging. Oxidation of methionine to methionine sulfoxide is a common form of damage observed during aging in all organisms. This damage is reversible through the action of methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSRs), which play key roles in lifespan control in yeast and animal cells. To investigate the relationship between MSR capacity and longevity in plant seeds, we first used two Medicago truncatula genotypes with contrasting seed quality. After characterizing the MSR family in this species, we analyzed gene expression and enzymatic activity in immature and mature seeds exhibiting distinct quality levels. We found a very strong correlation between the initial MSR capacities in different lots of mature seeds of the two genotypes and the time to a drop in viability to 50% after controlled deterioration. We then analyzed seed longevity in Arabidopsis thaliana lines, in which MSR gene expression has been genetically altered, and observed a positive correlation between MSR capacity and longevity in these seeds as well. Based on our data, we propose that the MSR repair system plays a decisive role in the establishment and preservation of longevity in plant seeds.

Expression and role of the angiotensin II AT2 receptor in human prostate tissue: in search of a new therapeutic option for prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers may be associated with improved outcome in prostate cancer patients. It has been proposed that part of this effect could be due to angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) activation, the only active angiotensin II receptor in this situation. This study aimed to characterize the localization and expression of AT2R in prostate tissues and to assess its role on cell morphology and number in prostatic epithelial cells in primary culture. METHODS: AT2R and its AT2R-interacting protein (ATIP) expression were assessed on non-tumoral and tumoral human prostate using tissue microarray immunohistochemistry, binding assay, and Western blotting. AT2R effect on cell number was measured in primary cultures of epithelial cells from non-tumoral human prostate. RESULTS: AT2R was localized at the level of the acinar epithelial layer and its expression decreased in cancers with a Gleason score 6 or higher. In contrast, ATIP expression increased with cancer progression. Treatment of primary cell cultures from non-tumoral prostate tissues with C21/M024, a selective AT2R agonist, alone or in co-incubation with losartan, an AT1R antagonist, significantly decreased cell number compared to untreated cells. CONCLUSIONS: AT2R and ATIP are present in non-tumoral human prostate tissues and differentially regulated according to Gleason score. The decrease in non-tumoral prostate cell number upon selective AT2R stimulation suggests that AT2R may have a protective role against prostate cancer development. Treatment with a selective AT2R agonist could represent a new approach for prostate cancer prevention or for patients on active surveillance.

Bioinactive ACTH causing glucocorticoid deficiency.

CONTEXT: A 4-year-old girl and a 4-month-old boy presented with hypoglycemia, normal electrolytes, low cortisol, and high ACTH. A diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency was made and initial treatment was with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. The genes known to cause ACTH resistance were normal. Whole exome sequencing revealed that the girl was compound heterozygous for POMC mutations: one previously described null allele and one novel p.R8C mutation in the sequence encoding ACTH and α-MSH. The boy was homozygous for the p.R8C mutation. HYPOTHESIS: The p.R8C ACTH mutant is immunoreactive, but the mutant peptides, ACTH-R8C and α-MSH-R8C, are bioinactive. METHODS: Methods included whole exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, peptide synthesis, ACTH immunoradiometric assay, hormone binding, and activation assays in cells expressing melanocortin receptors. RESULTS: ACTH-R8C was immunoreactive but failed to bind and activate cAMP production in melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R)-expressing cells, and α-MSH-R8C failed to bind and stimulate cAMP production in MC1R- and MC4R-expressing cells. CONCLUSION: These are the first documented cases of glucocorticoid deficiency due to the secretion of an ACTH molecule that lacks biological bioactivity but conserves immunoreactivity. POMC mutations should thus be considered in patients presenting with apparent ACTH resistance. Our findings also highlight a limitation to immunoassay-based diagnostics and demonstrate the value of genetic analysis. Establishing the molecular etiology of the disorder in our patients allowed cessation of the unnecessary mineralocorticoids. Finally, discovery of this mutation indicates that in humans, the amino acid sequence His(6)Phe(7)Arg(8)Trp(9) is important not only for cAMP activation but also for ACTH binding to MC2R.

Angiotensin II type 2 receptor promotes adipocyte differentiation and restores adipocyte size in high-fat/high-fructose diet-induced insulin resistance in rats.

This study was aimed at establishing whether specific activation of angiotensin II (ANG II) type 2 receptor (AT2R) modulates adipocyte differentiation and function. In primary cultures of subcutaneous (SC) and retroperitoneal (RET) preadipocytes, both AT2R and AT1R were expressed at the mRNA and protein level. Cells were stimulated with ANG II or the AT2R agonist C21/M24, alone or in the presence of the AT1R antagonist losartan or the AT2R antagonist PD123,319. During differentiation, C21/M24 increased PPARγ expression in both RET and SC preadipocytes while the number of small lipid droplets and lipid accumulation solely increased in SC preadipocytes. In mature adipocytes, C21/M24 decreased the mean size of large lipid droplets. Upon abolishment of AT2R expression using AT2R-targeted shRNAs, expressions of AT2R, aP2, and PPARγ remained very low, and cells were unable to differentiate. In Wistar rats fed a 6-wk high-fat/high-fructose (HFHF) diet, a significant shift toward larger adipocytes was observed in RET and SC adipose tissue depots. C21/M24 treatments for 6 wk restored normal adipocyte size distribution in both these tissue depots. Moreover, C21/M24 and losartan decreased hyperinsulinemia and improved insulin sensitivity impaired by HFHF diet. A strong correlation between adipocyte size area and glucose infusion rate during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp was observed. These results indicate that AT2R is involved in early adipocyte differentiation, while in mature adipocytes and in a model of insulin resistance AT2R activation restores normal adipocyte morphology and improves insulin sensitivity.

Comparative functional properties of two structurally similar selective nonpeptide drug-like ligands for the angiotensin II type-2 (AT(2)) receptor. Effects on neurite outgrowth in NG108-15 cells.

There is increasing evidence that angiotensin II (Ang II), through binding to the type 2 (AT(2)) receptor may have beneficial effects in various physiological and pathological situations. However, specific action presumably mediated by the angiotensin AT(2) receptor has been hampered by the absence of appropriate selective ligands. The aim of this study was to compare the biological properties of two related and selective drug-like nonpeptide AT(2) ligands, namely an agonist called M024 (also known as Compound 21) and a new ligand, presumably an antagonist, C38/M132, (originally called C38). Properties of the compounds were investigated in NG108-15 cells expressing angiotensin AT(2) receptor and known to develop neurite outgrowth upon Ang II stimulation. NG108-15 cells stimulated for three days with C21/M024 (0.1 or 100nM) exhibited the same neurite outgrowth as cells stimulated with Ang II (100nM) while co-incubation of Ang II or C21/M024 with C38/M132 (10 or 100nM) inhibited their effects, similarly to the angiotensin AT(2) receptor antagonist, PD123319 (10µM). As Ang II, C21/M024 induced a Rap1-dependent activation of p42/p44(mapk) whereas preincubation of cells with C38/M132 inhibited p42/p44(mapk) and Rap1 activation induced by Ang II. Three-day treatment with C21/M024 or Ang II decreased cell number in culture, an effect that was rescued by preincubation with C38/M132. Taken together, these results indicate that the nonpeptide ligand C21/M024 is a potent angiotensin AT(2) receptor agonist while C38/M132 acts as an antagonist. These selective nonpeptide angiotensin AT(2) ligands may represent unique and long-awaited tools for the pursuit of in vivo studies.

How does angiotensin AT(2) receptor activation help neuronal differentiation and improve neuronal pathological situations?

The angiotensin type 2 (AT(2)) receptor of angiotensin II has long been thought to be limited to few tissues, with the primary effect of counteracting the angiotensin type 1 (AT(1)) receptor. Functional studies in neuronal cells have demonstrated AT(2) receptor capability to modulate neuronal excitability, neurite elongation, and neuronal migration, suggesting that it may be an important regulator of brain functions. The observation that the AT(2) receptor was expressed in brain areas implicated in learning and memory led to the hypothesis that it may also be implicated in cognitive functions. However, linking signaling pathways to physiological effects has always proven challenging since information relative to its physiological functions has mainly emerged from indirect observations, either from the blockade of the AT(1) receptor or through the use of transgenic animals. From a mechanistic standpoint, the main intracellular pathways linked to AT(2) receptor stimulation include modulation of phosphorylation by activation of kinases and phosphatases or the production of nitric oxide and cGMP, some of which are associated with the Gi-coupling protein. The receptor can also interact with other receptors, either G protein-coupled such as bradykinin, or growth factor receptors such as nerve growth factor or platelet-derived growth factor receptors. More recently, new advances have also led to identification of various partner proteins, thus providing new insights into this receptor's mechanism of action. This review summarizes the recent advances regarding the signaling pathways induced by the AT(2) receptor in neuronal cells, and discussed the potential therapeutic relevance of central actions of this enigmatic receptor. In particular, we highlight the possibility that selective AT(2) receptor activation by non-peptide and selective agonists could represent new pharmacological tools that may help to improve impaired cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease and other neurological cognitive disorders.

The C-terminal domains of melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) accessory proteins (MRAP1) influence their localization and ACTH-induced cAMP production.

ACTH binding to the human melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) requires the presence of the MC2R accessory protein1 isoforms, MRAPα or MRAPß. This study evaluated the role of the isoform-specific C-terminal domains of MRAP with regard to their cellular localization, topology, interaction with MRAP2 and cAMP production. When stably expressed in HEK293/FRT cells or in B16-G4F mouse melanoma cells (an MSH receptor-deficient cell clone), MRAPα and MRAPdCT (truncated MRAP1, N-terminal only) localized mainly around the nuclear envelope and within dense intracellular endosomes, while MRAPß exhibited a strong localization at the plasma membrane, and partially with rapid recycling endosomes. MRAPß and MRAPdCT both exhibited dual-topology (N(cyto)/C(exo) and N(exo)/C(cyto)) at the plasma membrane whereas MRAPα exhibited only N(cyto)/C(exo) topology at the plasma membrane while adopting dual-topology in intracellular compartments. Both MRAPα and MRAP2 colocalized in intracellular compartments, as opposed to weak colocalization between MRAPß and MRAP2. MRAP2 and MC2R enhanced the expression of MRAP1 isoforms and vice versa. Moreover, in both HEK293/FRT and B16-G4F cells, ACTH failed to activate MC2R unless MRAP1 was present. MRAP1 expression enhanced MC2R cell-surface expression as well as concentration-dependent cAMP accumulation. In the presence of human or zebrafish MC2R, MRAPß induced the highest cAMP accumulation while MRAPdCT induced the lowest. Together, the present findings indicate that the C-terminal domains of MRAP dictate their intracellular localization in addition to regulating ACTH-induced cAMP production. These preferential localizations suggest that MRAPα is involved in MC2R targeting to the plasma membrane, while MRAPß may enhance ACTH-MC2R coupling to cAMP production.

From the first selective non-peptide AT(2) receptor agonist to structurally related antagonists.

A para substitution pattern of the phenyl ring is a characteristic feature of the first reported selective AT(2) receptor agonist M024/C21 (1) and all the nonpeptidic AT(2) receptor agonists described so far. Two series of compounds structurally related to 1 but with a meta substitution pattern have now been synthesized and biologically evaluated for their affinity to the AT(1) and AT(2) receptors. A high AT(2)/AT(1) receptor selectivity was obtained with all 41 compounds synthesized, and the majority exhibited K(i) ranging from 2 to 100 nM. Five compounds were evaluated for their functional activity at the AT(2) receptor, applying a neurite outgrowth assay in NG108-15 cells. Notably, four of the five compounds, with representatives from both series, acted as potent AT(2) receptor antagonists. These compounds were found to be considerably more effective than PD 123,319, the standard AT(2) receptor antagonist used in most laboratories. No AT(2) receptor antagonists were previously reported among the derivatives with a para substitution pattern. Hence, by a minor modification of the agonist 1 it could be transformed into the antagonist, compound 38. These compounds should serve as valuable tools in the assessment of the role of the AT(2) receptor in more complex physiological models.