title: Adrenoceptors--classification, activation and blockade by drugs.
abstract: The interaction between drug and receptor evokes a series of reactions resulting in a physiological response. A recognition site, an amplifier system and an effector system are involved in the mediation of effect. A brief review is given of the historical development of the adrenoceptor concept, of the classification of adrenoceptors, and of the consequences of stimulation and blockade of these receptors by drugs.
mesh_terms: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D009638:Norepinephrine