We previously demonstrated in fetal sheep that blockade of ANG II type 1 (AT(1)) receptors did not attenuate an increase in right ventricle (RV) mass resulting from partial occlusion of the pulmonary artery (PA). We have now determined the effects of AT(2)-receptor blockade (PD-123319, 10 mg. kg(-1). day(-1) continuous iv) on the response of the fetal RV to PA banding for 7 days. Four groups of fetuses (each n = 7) were studied beginning at 126 +/- 1 days gestation (term 145 days). RV weight-to-body weight ratio (RV wt/body wt) increased (P < 0.05) in PA-banded (6.00 +/- 0.09 g/kg) and PA-banded + PD-123319 (6.19 +/- 0.27 g/kg) compared with control (5.17 +/- 0.17 g/kg) and PD-123319-infused (5.27 +/- 0.35 g/kg) fetuses (means +/- SE). Blood pressure and heart rate were similar in all groups. PD-123319 produced a decrease (P < 0.05) in AT(1) but not AT(2) mRNA levels in both fetal ventricles. To examine the effect of ANG II on fetal heart growth, twin fetal sheep were infused with either ANG II (twin received vehicle) or phenylephrine (Phe) (twin received vehicle) continuously for 7 days. Mean arterial blood pressure was 20-25 mmHg higher in ANG II and Phe fetuses compared with controls. The rate-pressure product was similar in ANG II and Phe fetuses and 40-50% greater than controls. Phe resulted in no change in RV wt/body wt or left ventricle-to-body weight ratio (LV wt/body wt) compared with controls. In contrast, ANG II produced a selective increase (27 +/- 5%, P < 0.05) in LV wt/body wt; no effect was seen on the RV. ANG II produced a decrease (P < 0.05) in LV but not RV AT(1) mRNA levels compared with controls; no effect was seen with Phe. The data demonstrate that in the ovine fetus, AT(2) receptors do not contribute to the maintenance of blood pressure or the development of pressure-overload RV hypertrophy. Elevated ANG II levels produce a selective increase in LV mass in the fetal sheep that is, in part, independent of increased systolic load.