Adrenergic Receptors
Posted: Sunday, February 2nd, 2020 | Updated: Sunday July 11th, 2021
Posted: Sunday, February 2nd, 2020 | Updated: Sunday July 11th, 2021
Alpha 1 Receptor
Location: Smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels in skin and intestinal tract
Role: Mydriasis, contraction of sphincters, and vasoconstriction leading to increased blood pressure
Alpha 2 Receptor
Location: At the end of adrenergic neurons located in the cardiovascular system, GI tract, and genitourinary system
Role: Inhibition of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and insulin release
Beta 1 Receptor
Location: Heart, fat cells, kidney
Role: Increase heart rate and strength of contraction, increased release of renin, increased release of fat
Beta 2 Receptor
Location: Smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels of the heart, skeletal muscles, arterioles, and the terminal bronchioles
Role: Vasodilation and bronchodilation, increased release of glucagon
Location: Smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels in skin and intestinal tract
Role: Mydriasis, contraction of sphincters, and vasoconstriction leading to increased blood pressure
Alpha 2 Receptor
Location: At the end of adrenergic neurons located in the cardiovascular system, GI tract, and genitourinary system
Role: Inhibition of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and insulin release
Beta 1 Receptor
Location: Heart, fat cells, kidney
Role: Increase heart rate and strength of contraction, increased release of renin, increased release of fat
Beta 2 Receptor
Location: Smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels of the heart, skeletal muscles, arterioles, and the terminal bronchioles
Role: Vasodilation and bronchodilation, increased release of glucagon
Sources:
Bill, Robert L. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics for the Veterinary Technician. 3rd ed., Mosby, 2006.
Bill, Robert L. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics for the Veterinary Technician. 3rd ed., Mosby, 2006.