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PubMed · 7938167

Alpha-adrenoceptors.

R R Ruffolo·J P Hieble
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Abstract

Major advances have been made in our understanding of the molecular structure and function of the alpha-adrenoceptors. Many new subtypes of the alpha-adrenoceptor have been identified recently through biochemical and pharmacological techniques and several of these receptors have been cloned and expressed in a variety of vector systems. Currently, at least seven subtypes of the alpha-adrenoceptor have been identified and the molecular structure and biochemical functions of these subtypes are beginning to be understood. The alpha-adrenoceptors belong to the super family of receptors that are coupled to guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (G-proteins). A variety of G-proteins are involved in the coupling of the various alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes to intracellular second messenger systems, which ultimately produce the end-organ response. The mechanisms by which the alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes recognize different G-proteins, as well as the molecular interactions between receptors and G-proteins, are the topics of current research. Furthermore, the physiological and pathophysiological role that alpha-adrenoceptors play in homeostasis and in a variety of disease states is also being elucidated. These major advances made in alpha-adrenoceptor classification, molecular structure, physiologic function, second messenger systems and therapeutic relevance are the subject of this review.

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Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor AgonistsAdrenergic alpha-1 Receptor AntagonistsAdrenergic alpha-2 Receptor AgonistsAdrenergic alpha-2 Receptor AntagonistsAnimalsHumansReceptors, Adrenergic, alphaJournal ArticleReview

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R R Ruffolo, J P Hieble. 1994. Alpha-adrenoceptors.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0163-7258(94)90058-2

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