Effect of calcium and β-adrenoceptor antagonists on β-adrenoceptor density and Gsα expression in human atria

摘要

In 21 patients undergoing open heart surgery the effects of the β-adrenoceptor antagonists propranolol and sotalol and the calcium antagonist nifedipine (alone or in combination) on right atrial β-adrenoceptor density and G protein expression were studied. The non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonists increased both right atrial β1- and β2-adrenoceptor density; this increase was not affected by nifedipine. There was no correlation between β-adrenoceptor density and expression of the G protein subunit Gsα suggesting independent regulation of the gene expression for G proteins and their coupled receptors.