Cardiovascular Regulation in Mice Lacking α_2-Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes b and c

摘要

α_2-Adrenergic receptors (α_2ARs) are essential components of the neural circuitry regulating cardiovascular function. The role of specific α_2AR subtypes (α_(2a), α_(2b), and α_(2c)) was characterized with hemodynamic measurements obtained from strains of genetically engineered mice deficient in either α_(2b) or α_(2c) receptors. Stimulation of α_(2b) receptors in vascular smooth muscle produced hypertension and counteracted the clinically beneficial hypotensive effect of stimulating 羅(2a) receptors in the central nervous system. There were no hemodynamic effects produced by disruption of the α_(2c) subtype. These results provide evidence for the clinical efficacy of more subtype-selective α_2AR drugs.