ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of AT2 receptors in the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (alpha-TNF) and interleukin 1 beta (IL1 beta) in adult rat cardiac fibroblasts.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adult rat cardiac fibroblasts in in vitro culture were divided into control, Ang II, AngII + Losartan, and AngII + PD123319 groups with corresponding treatments. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine alpha-TNF and IL1 beta levels in the supernatant of the treated cardiac fibroblasts.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ang II treatment resulted in significantly increased alpha-TNF and IL1 beta levels. Compared with AngII group, IL1 beta level was decreased by 69.1% and 78.7% and alpha-TNF by 58.7% and 65.9% after blocking AT1 and AT2 receptors, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AT2 receptors are involved in alpha-TNF and IL1 beta secretions in cardiac fibroblasts.</p>