R. Kirby et al., alpha(1)-adrenoceptor selectivity and the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms, PROSTATE C, 3(2), 2000, pp. 76-83
The storage (irritative) and voiding (obstructive) symptoms associated with
benign prostatic hyperplasia are generally attributed to prostate enlargem
ent and increased prostatic smooth muscle tone mediated by the prevailing a
lpha(1)-adrenoceptors in the bladder neck and prostate. This results in obs
truction and subsequent secondary changes to the bladder. However, there is
growing evidence that many of these symptoms may be due to changes in extr
aprostatic alpha(1)-adrenoceptors, possibly alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors. Findin
gs from the VA cooperative trial challenge the current theory that the comm
on side effects associated with these agents are due to vascular action of
alpha(1)-adrenoceptor blockers.