alpha-adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction and myocardial ischemia in humans.
The use of quantitative coronary angiography, combined with Doppler and PET, has recently been directed at the study of alpha-adrenergic coronary vasomotion in humans. Confirming prior animal experiments, there is no evidence of alpha-adrenergic coronary constrictor tone at rest. Again confirming prior experiments, responses to alpha-adrenoceptor activation are augmented in the presence of coronary endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, involving both alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in epicardial conduit arteries and microvessels. Such augmented alpha-adrenergic coronary constriction is observed during exercise and coronary interventions, and it is powerful enough to induce myocardial ischemia and limit myocardial function. Recent studies indicate a genetic determination of alpha(2)-adrenergic coronary constriction.
Heusch
G
G
Abteilung für Pathophysiologie and Abteilung für Kardiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany. gerd.heusch@uni-essen.de
Baumgart
D
D
Camici
P
P
Chilian
W
W
Gregorini
L
L
Hess
O
O
Indolfi
C
C
Rimoldi
O
O
D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000502:physiology*; D014661:Vasoconstriction
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha