Adrenergic Receptors

Adrenergic receptors (adrenoceptors) are classified into two main groups, α and β. The α group has been further divided into α1 and α2 which are, in turn, subdivided into α1A, α1B, α1D and α2A, α2B and α2C respectively. β-Adrenoceptors are currently classified into β1, β2 and β3 subgroups with a putative β4 receptor, as yet uncloned but exhibiting a distinct pharmacological profile.

Literature for Adrenergic Receptors

Allosteric GPCR Pharmacology Poster

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are intrinsically allosteric proteins. This poster provides insights into allosteric mechanisms of GPCR biology, highlighting key facets of GPCR allostery and therapeutic applications of allosteric modulators.

GPCR Efficacy and Biased Agonism Poster

GPCRs can interact with multiple distinct transducers or regulatory proteins and these can be preferentially engaged in an agonist-specific manner giving rise to biased agonism. This poster discusses cutting edge GPCR signaling pharmacology and highlights therapeutic applications of biased agonism.

Receptor Data

α1-Adrenergic Receptor Data

Receptor Subtypeα1Aα1Bα1D
Transduction MechanismActivates Gp/q, ↑ PI turnover, ↑[Ca2+]i.c., activates voltage-gated Ca2+ channels
LocalizationCNS, heart, liver, prostate, urethraCNS, somatic arteries and veins, spleen, kidneyCNS, aorta, bladder, prostate
Tissue FunctionSmooth muscle contraction, myocyte hypertrophy, activation of sarcolemmal Na+-H+ exchangerSmooth muscle contraction, cardiac growth and contractile functionSmooth muscle contraction
Selective AgonistsA 61603 (1052)
Oxymetazoline (1142)
UnknownUnknown
Non-subtype Selective AgonistsCirazoline (0888)
(R)-(-)-Phenylephrine hydrochloride (2838)
Cirazoline (0888)
(R)-(-)-Phenylephrine hydrochloride (2838)
Cirazoline (0888)
(R)-(-)-Phenylephrine hydrochloride (2838)
Selective AntagonistsRS 17053 (0985)
RS 100329 (1325)
SNAP 5089 (2398)
WB 4101 (0946)
Tamsulosin (3050)
Rec 15/2615 (3284)BMY 7378 (1006)
Non-subtype Selective AntagonistsPrazosin (0623)
Doxazosin (2964)
Alfuzosin (3305)
Prazosin (0623)
Doxazosin (2964)
Alfuzosin (3305)
Prazosin (0623)
Doxazosin (2964)
Alfuzosin (3305)

α2-Adrenergic Receptor Data

Receptor Subtypeα2Aα2Bα2C
Transduction MechanismActivates Gi/o, ↓ PI turnover, inhibits voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, activates voltage-gated Ca2+ dependent K+ channels
LocalizationBrain, spleen, kidney, aorta, lung, skeletal muscle, heart, liverSpleen, kidney, aorta, lung, skeletal muscle, heart, liverBrain, kidney, aorta, lung, skeletal muscle, heart, spleen
Tissue FunctionHypotension, sedation, analgesia, hypothermia, anesthesia, inhibition of noradrenalin releaseVasoconstrictionPresynaptic inhibition of noradrenalin release
Selective AgonistsOxymetazoline* (1142)
Guanfacine (1030)
Unknown(R)-(+)-m-Nitrobiphenyline oxalate
ST 91 (2638)
Non-subtype Selective AgonistsClonidine (0690)
UK 14,304 tartrate (2466)
Clonidine (0690)
UK 14,304 tartrate (2466)
Clonidine (0690)
UK 14,304 tartrate (2466)
Selective AntagonistsBRL 44408 (1133)ARC (0928)
Imiloxan (0986)
Prazosin (0623)
JP 1302 (2666)
Rauwolscine† (0891)
Non-subtype Selective AntagonistsRS 79948 (0987)
Yohimbine (1127)
Efaroxan (0792)
Idazoxan (0793)
RS 79948 (0987)
Yohimbine (1127)
Efaroxan (0792)
Idazoxan (0793)
RS 79948 (0987)
Yohimbine (1127)
Efaroxan (0792)
Idazoxan (0793)

*partial agonist
†10-20 fold selective for α2C

β-Adrenergic Receptor Data

Receptor Subtypeβ1β2β3
Transduction Mechanism↑ Adenylyl cyclase (via Gs)
LocalizationCNS, heart, coronary artery, lung, spleen, kidney, liver, muscleCNS, heart, lung, spleen, kidney, liver, skeletal muscleAdipose tissue, gall bladder, small intestines, stomach, prostate, left atrium, bladder, vascular endothelium
Tissue FunctionTachycardia, coronary vasodilation, increase heart contractile force, apoptosis, relaxation of colon and esophagusHypotension, smooth muscle relaxation e.g. bronchodilation, inhibition of apoptosisLipolysis, glucose uptake, cardioinhibition, relaxation of colon, esophagus and bladder
Key CompoundsKi values (nM)   
AgonistsBRL 37344 (0948)
CGP 12177* (1134)
Cimaterol (0435)
Pindolol (0994)
Salbutamol (0634)
1750
0.9
-
3.4
-
1120
4
-
2.3
-
287
88
4700
11
53000
AntagonistsICI 118,551 (0821)
L-748,337 (2760)
120
390
1.2
204
257
4

3 partial agonist, β12

References

Bylund et al (1994) Pharmacol.Rev. 46 121.Hieble et al (1995) J.Med.Chem. 38 3415. Strosberg and Pietri-Rouxel (1996) TiPS 17 373. Docherty et al (1998) Eur.J.Pharmacol. 361 1. Robinson and Hudson (1998) Tocris Reviews. No. 8.