Alpha-adrenergic receptors in human blood vessels

van Brummelen, Jie, van Zwieten (1986) Alpha-adrenergic receptors in human blood vessels Br J Clin Pharmacol (IF: 3.1) 21 Suppl 1(Suppl 1) 33S-39S

Abstract

The evidence for the presence of postjunctional alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtypes in human blood vessels is reviewed. Experiments in healthy subjects are described that show that alpha 1- as well as alpha 2-adrenoceptor mediated vasoconstriction contribute to vascular smooth muscle tone and that adrenaline and noradrenaline have similar affinities for each subtype. In addition, evidence is presented for a preferential intrajunctional location of alpha 1-adrenoceptors and a preferential extrajunctional location of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in human blood vessels. It is concluded that at present postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors in human blood vessels can be classified as alpha 1 and alpha 2. Despite the fact that both subtypes mediate vasoconstriction, these receptors are likely to subserve different physiological functions.

Links

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1400759
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2871855
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.1986.tb02851.x

Similar articles

Tools

Export to RIS