Recent progress in alpha 1-adrenoceptor pharmacology.
The adrenoceptors (ARs) play a key role in the modulation of sympathetic nervous system activity and are a site of action for many clinically important therapeutic agents. The alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes (alpha1A-, alpha1B-, and alpha1D-AR) play a prominent role in regulating vascular tone and hypertrophic growth of smooth muscle and cardiac cells. Their functional characteristics with respect to ligand binding and second messenger utilization have been well described. Here, we review recent progress on subtype-specific subcellular localization, participation in signaling cascades, and the pivotal function of alpha1-ARs, as delineated through studies on genetically engineered animals. Together, these findings will provide new insights into the physiological and pathophysiological roles of the alpha1-ARs.
Koshimizu
Taka-aki
TA
Department of Molecular, Cell Pharmacology, National Children's Medical Research Center, Tokyo, Japan.
Yamauchi
Junji
J
Hirasawa
Akira
A
Tanoue
Akito
A
Tsujimoto
Gozoh
G
D018663:Adrenergic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D018663:Adrenergic Agents; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1