Vascular alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors: Are they related to hypertension?

Heterogeneity of vascular alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes has been revealed by pharmacological and molecular biology studies (i.e., alpha(1A), -, alpha (1B), -, and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors). The alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor subtype i s predominantly involved in the contraction of a variety of vessels and its role in the control of blood pressure has been suggested, a phenomenon pro bably related to aging. Recent advances in the use of young pre-hypertensiv e rats and adult spontaneously hypertensive rats with one kidney and Grollm an-type renal hypertension suggest vascular alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor involvem ent in the increased blood pressure. The possible role of alpha(1D)-adrenoc eptors in the genesis/maintenance of hypertension is discussed in this revi ew. (C) 1999 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.