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Background Blood pressure and tissue perfusion are controlled in part by the level of intrinsic (myogenic) arterial tone. However, many of the molecular determinants of this response are unknown. We previously found that mice with targeted disruption of the gene encoding the angiotensin II type 1a receptor (AT1AR) (Agtr1a), the major murine angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) isoform, showed reduced myogenic tone; however, uncontrolled genetic events (in this case, gene ablation) can lead to phenotypes that are difficult or impossible to interpret. Methods and Results We tested the mechanosensitive function of AT1R using tamoxifen‐inducible smooth muscle‐specific AT1aR knockout (smooth muscle‐Agtr1a−/−) mice and studied downstream signaling cascades mediated by Gq/11 and/or β‐arrestins. FR900359, Sar1Ile4Ile8‐angiotensin II (SII), TRV120027 and TRV120055 were used as selective Gq/11 inhibitor and biased agonists to activate noncanonical β‐arrestin and canonical Gq/11 signaling of the AT1R, respectively. Myogenic and Ang II‐induced constrictions were diminished in the perfused renal vasculature, mesenteric and cerebral arteries of smooth muscle‐Agtr1a−/− mice. Similar effects were observed in arteries of global mutant Agtr1a−/− but not Agtr1b−/− mice. FR900359 decreased myogenic tone and angiotensin II‐induced constrictions whereas selective biased targeting of AT1R‐β‐arrestin signaling pathways had no effects. Conclusions This study demonstrates that myogenic arterial constriction requires Gq/11‐dependent signaling pathways of mechanoactivated AT1R but not G protein‐independent, noncanonical pathways in smooth muscle cells.

Summary: The isolated perfused kidney is a classic ex vivo preparation for studying renal physiology in general and vascular function. Here, we present a protocol for assessing myogenic tone in isolated mouse kidneys as well as vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive responses, expressed as perfusion pressure. We describe steps for pre-operative preparation, kidney and renal artery isolation, and connection of renal artery with glass cannula. We then detail how to measure pressure changes in perfused kidneys and the myogenic tone.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Cui et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.