VASCULAR ALPHA-1-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR SUBTYPES IN THE REGULATION OF ARTERIAL-PRESSURE

Alpha(1) (alpha(1))-adrenoceptors can be found at numerous end organs in the autonomic nervous system, especially vascular smooth muscle. Th e tonic sympathetic activation of vascular alpha(1)-adrenoceptors main tains vascular resistance and is vital to the regulation of arterial p ressure. Recent evidence clearly demonstrates that alpha(1)-adrenocept ors are a heterogenous class of receptors and that each subtype may su bserve specific cardiovascular functions. Elucidation of the physiolog ical role of each subtype in the regulation of vascular resistance and arterial pressure will enhance our understanding of the cardiovascula r system and may facilitate the development of therapeutics with impro ved efficacy and tolerability.