Molecular pharmacology of human alpha1-adrenergic receptors: unique features of the alpha 1a-subtype.
alpha1-Adrenergic receptors (alpha1ARs) are G protein-coupled receptors important in the dynamic component of benign prostatic hyperplasia. alpha1ARs stimulate predominantly phospholipase C-beta, resulting in mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores and, ultimately, smooth muscle contraction. cDNAs encoding three human alpha1ARs (alpha1a, alpha1b, alpha1d) have been cloned, expressed stably in cells, and characterized pharmacologically. Extensive species heterogeneity in tissue distribution emphasizes the importance of studying alpha1ARs in human tissues. Because of the important role of alpha1aARs in mediating prostate smooth muscle contraction, this current review describes alpha1a carboxyl terminal splice variants, examines alpha1AR subtype distribution in various tissues and the role of the putative alpha1LAR in human prostate, provides a brief discussion regarding regulation of this receptor by agonist, and finally discusses implications of distinct alpha1AR subtype distribution in human bladder compared with prostate.
Department of Pharmacology/Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C., USA. Schwi001@mc.duke.edu
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D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology; D011467:Prostate / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000378:metabolism
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1