Alpha(1)-adrenoceptors (alpha(1)-AR) and vascular smooth muscle cell growth.
BACKGROUND
Smooth muscle cells in vascular tissue, like tissue within the urogenital sinus, undergo growth and proliferation.


METHODS
This review attempts to compare and contrast the mechanisms and controlling factors involved in prostatic and vascular tissue. There is a particular focus on the role of catecholamines and alpha-adrenoceptors (alpha-ARs), and on the effects of alpha(1)-AR antagonists (blockers) on cellular dynamics. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The situation in vascular tissue appears analagous to that in prostatic tissue. Certain AR-antagonists, in addition to altering smooth muscle contraction, may have other actions on cellular dynamics.
Hoffman
B B
BB
Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA. bhoffman@stanford.edu
Hu
Z W
ZW
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D002455:Cell Division; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology*; D011467:Prostate / Q000166:cytology*; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / Q000502:physiology*
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1; D011494:Protein Kinases