A functional basis for classification of alpha-adrenergic receptors

Antihypertensive effect of E-643, a new alpha-adrenergic blocking agent

To determine whether E-643, a new alpha-blocking agent, would reduce the blood pressure, regardless of the posture, a 1 mg dose was given 3 times daily for 7 consecutive days, to 8 male and 7 female inpatients, aged 37--73 years, with essential hypertension. Blood pressure and pulse rate were measured daily in the supine, sitting and standing positions. Before and after the treatment with E-643, plasma levels of noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, renin and aldosterone were determined, samples being obtained with the subjects recumbent and after standing upright for 60 min. A significant reduction in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures was evident in the supine (172 +/- 31/100 +/- 12 leads to 151 +/- 28/89 +/- 14 mmHg), sitting (158 +/- 22/101 +/- 11 leads to 138 +/- 28/89 +/- 15 mmHg) and standing (153 +/- 32/103 +/- 21 leads to 129 +/- 31/89 +/- 20 mmHg) positions. The reduction in blood pressure remained unchanged throughout the period of administration of E-643. Pulse rate was not affected when the subjects were supine (67 +/- 10 leads to 69 +/- 10 beats/min), but was increased in the sitting (68 +/- 10 leads to 73 +/- 9 beats/min) and standing (73 +/- 10 leads to 81 +/- 11 beats/min) positions. The increased pulse rate tended to decline during continued administration of E-643. Treatment with E-643 produced no significant change in plasma levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, renin and aldosterone. The antihypertensive effect of treatment was more prominent in the patients with higher levels of plasma catecholamines and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, and was less prominent in those with higher plasma renin and aldosterone. Two patients had temporary bouts of dizziness and visual disturbances, but there were no subjective complaints during treatment.

Yohimbine diastereoisomers: cardiovascular effects after central and peripheral application in the rat

The cardiovascular effects of four yohimbine diastereoisomers, yohimbine, rauwolscine, corynanthine, and 3-epi-alpha-yohimbine, were compared in urethane-anaesthetized and conscious, normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats. Intravenous cumulative infusions (10--500 microgram) of the drugs to anaesthetized rats decreased blood pressure and blunted the pressor response to intravenous adrenaline injections. Corynanthine was the most potent isomer in this regard, followed by yohimbine, rauwolscine, and 3-epi-alpha-yohimbine. Depressor responses following intravenous bolus doses (40 microgram) showed a similar ranking. Intraventricular injections of yohimbine to anaesthetized rats decreased blood pressure dose-dependently, as did injections of corynanthine and rauwolscine. Responses indicated the ranking to be yohimbine greater or equal to rauwolscine greater than corynanthine for this effect at the 40 microgram dose. Heart rate was also decreased by these isomers, but not in a dose-dependent fashion. In conscious rats, the intraventricular injection of these isomers (20 microgram) increased blood pressure and heart rate. No differences were noted in terms of blood pressure responses; but, in causing tachycardia, the ranking was rauwolscine greater than yohimbine greater than corynanthine. These data suggest that after intraventricular application in anaesthetized rats, the effects of these alpha-adrenoceptor blockers are related to their individual affinity for the alpha 2 adrenoceptor.

Inhibition of renin secretion by clonidine after alpha-adrenoceptor blockade in anesthetized dogs

Dogs anaesthetised with pentobarbital were used to study the effects of the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists phentolamine and piperoxan on the clonidine-induced suppression of plasma renin activity (PRA). Given alone, clonidine (30 microgram/kg, i.v.) produced an initial rise in mean arterial pressure (MAP) which was followed by a hypotensive response. These changes in blood pressure were accompanied by decreased in PRA and heart rate (HR). Pretreatment with phentolamine, 1 mg/kg i.v. or 3.3 microgram/kg/min infused into the third cerebral ventricle, or piperoxan, 20 microgram/kg stat. + 5 microgram/kg/min infused either i.v. or intraventricularly, did not modify the clonidine-induced falls in PRA, MAP or HR. All pretreatment regimes, with the exception of intraventricular phentolamine, virtually abolished the initial pressor response to clonidine. These results demonstrate that the renin-lowering action of clonidine in the dog is not inhibited by two classical alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists.

alpha 1-Adrenergic receptors of a smooth muscle cell line: guanine nucleotides do not regulate agonist affinities

Using [3H]-dihydroergocryptine, we have identified in membranes prepared from the DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cell line a binding site with characteristics of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor. Specific binding (90-95% of total binding) was saturable with a binding site concentration of 197 +/- 44 fmol/mg protein and was of high affinity with a dissociation constant of 1.7 +/- 0.4 nM. The order of agonist competition for the binding site was epinephrine (Ki = 2.3 +/- 0.5 microM) greater than or equal to norepinephrine (Ki = 4.4 +/- 1.3 microM) much greater than isoproterenol (Ki = 195.5 +/- 27.6 microM), consistent with an alpha-adrenergic interaction. Computer modelling of competition curves obtained with prazosin (alpha 1-selective) and yohimbine (alpha 2-selective) indicated that the DDT1 cell alpha-adrenergic receptor was predominantly (greater than 95%) of the alpha 1-subtype. Guanine nucleotides, either GTP or 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate, did not reduce the affinity of either epinephrine of phenylephrine for the [3H]-dihydroergocryptine binding site.

Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors reverse alpha-adrenergic inhibition of acute insulin response to glucose

Prostaglandin E (PGE) has several effects on glucose homoeostasis and insulin secretion. The same events can be induced by alpha-adrenergic stimulation, which is known to stimulate PGE synthesis. To evaluate the hypothesis that PGE may be one intracellular mediator for certain alpha-adrenergic events, we examined the effects of a known PG synthesis inhibitor Sodium salicylate (SS) (40 mg/min iv) on the alpha-adrenergic effects of epinephrine (Epi) at two doses (3 and 6 micrograms/min) in normal male subjects. The lower dose of epinephrine diminished the acute insulin response (AIR) after a 20-g intravenous glucose pulse (control, 463 +/- 149; epinephrine, 97 +/- 38% of basal insulin, mean +/- SE, n = 6, P < 0.02); SS markedly augmented the AIR during epinephrine towards control values (339 +/- 137%; P < 0.02). In 12 subjects, the higher dose of Epi abolished the AIR. When similar studies were performed during a SS infusion, the AIR was partially restored (96 /+- 27% of basal insulin, n = 12, P < 0.01). Similarly, partial reversal of this alpha-adrenergic effect of Epi was observed with indomethacin, another inhibitor of PG synthesis. At both doses of Epi, SS augmented the glucose disappearance rate (KG) after the glucose pulse (P < 0.001). Sodium salicylate also increased basal glucagon levels (P < 0.05). In contrast, SS did not affect the glycemic response, the suppression of basal insulin levels, or the hemodynamic responses induced by adrenergic stimulation. We conclude that two prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors partially reverse the alpha-adrenergic inhibition of the AIR to glucose caused by Epi, without affecting other adrenergic events. The data are compatible with a role for prostaglandins in alpha-adrenergic events selectively in the pancreatic islet.

Alpha-adrenergic inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation in hamster adipocytes. Similarity of receptor with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors

The present communication shows the effects of several alpha-adrenergic agonists and antagonists on cyclic AMP levels in hamster epididymal adipocytes. In response to ACTH (30 mU/ml) in combination with 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (0.10 mM) or adenosine deaminase (1.0 micrograms/ml), cyclic AMP levels increased to a maximum by 10 min and this level was maintained for another 20 min. Elevated cyclic AMP levels were partially suppressed by the alpha-adrenergic agents clonidine, methoxamine, methyl norepinephrine and phenylephrine. The lowest effective concentration of each of these agonists required to suppress cyclic AMP levels was 10 nM clonidine; 3 microM methoxamine; 10 microM methyl norepinephrine; 10 microM phenylephrine. Clonidine and methoxamine suppressed cyclic AMP levels by nearly 65% while phenylephrine and methyl norepinephrine caused only a 30% decline. Studies of the relative potencies of alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs on prevention of the inhibitor effect of clonidine on cyclic AMP levels disclosed that phentolamine and yohimbine were more potent blockers of clonidine action than phenoxybenzamine and prazosin. The rank order of potencies of agonists at causing suppression of cyclic AMP levels and the rank order of potencies of antagonists of clonidine action suggest similarity of the alpha-adrenergic receptors present on hamster adipocytes, which affect cyclic AMP accumulation to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.

Evaluation of the selectivity of alpha-adrenoreceptor blocking drugs for postsynaptic alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoreceptors in a simple animal model

1 The increase of diastolic pressure of pithed, normotensive rats was determined after i.v. administration of the alpha-adrenoreceptor agonists L-phenylephrine and B-HT 933. 2 alpha-Adrenoreceptor antagonists varied widely in their relative inhibitory effects towards either L-phenylephrine- or B-HT 933-induced vasoconstrictor responses. Prazosin displayed the highest affinity for the postsynaptic alpha-adrenoreceptor triggered by L-phenylephrine. The rank order of potency was further: phenotlamine greater than dihydroergotamine greater than clozapine greater than corynanthine greater than azapetine greater than yohimbine greater than piperoxan greater than tolazoline greater than mainserin greater than rauwolscine. On the other hand, the rank order of potency towards B-HT 933 was: dihydroergotamine greater than rauwolscine greater than yohimbine greater than phentolamine greater than piperoxan greater than prazosin greater than tolazoline greater than mainserin greater than corynanthine greater than azapetine greater than clozapine. These data are in general agreement with the classification of alpha 1-(triggered by L-phenylephrine) and alpha 2-(triggered by B-HT 933) adrenoreceptors. Both populations are present postsynaptically in vascular smooth muscle of the pithed rat and are involved in vasoconstriction. 3 The ratio of KB post alpha 2/KB post alpha 1 was calculated as a measure of selectivity for either alpha-adrenoreceptor site. The alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists used cover a 20,000-fold range of activity ratios. The antagonists most selective for either type were prazosin (alpha 1) and rauwolscine (alpha 2). The selectivity of the alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists for postsynaptic alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoreceptors in the intact circulatory system of the pithed rat is comparable with the reported selectivity of these blocking agents for alpha 1 (postsynaptic)- and alpha 2(presynaptic)-adrenoreceptors in the rabbit isolated pulmonary artery. 4 It is concluded that two distinct types of postsynaptic alpha-adrenoreceptors participate in vasoconstriction in the pithed rat. Apart from the classical alpha 1-adrenoreceptor, vascular smooth muscle of the pithed rat contains postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors resembling those previously found mainly presynaptically. The presence of separate classes of postsynaptic alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoreceptors in the intact circulatory system of the pithed rat offers the possibility to use this relatively simple animal model as an in vivo test system for the pharmacological characterization of alpha-adrenoreceptors agonists and antagonists.

alpha 2-Adrenergic receptors are associated with renal proximal tubules

The location of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors has been investigated in the guinea pig kidney. We used an in vitro labeling autoradiographic technique to examine the distribution of specific [3H]clonidine binding sites with the light microscope. alpha 2-Adrenergic receptors appeared to be located predominantly on the proximal tubules. The implication of this finding for renal physiology is discussed.

Evidence for the alpha 2 nature of the alpha-adrenergic receptor inhibiting lipolysis in human fat cells

Theophylline-stimulated human subcutaneous adipocytes were incubatged in vitro in the presence of selected alpha-adrenergic agents in order to characterize the alpha-adrenoceptor of human fat cells. Inhibition of theophylline-induced lipolysis occurred with the agents tested; clonidine was the most potent agonist while methoxamine had no effect. The relative order of potency of the various agonists was: clonidine > adrenaline > phenylephrine > methoxamine; this order is consistent with the classification of agonists described for the presynaptic alpha 2-receptor. Moreover, selected antagonists were used in order to antagonise clonidine inhibition of theophylline-induced lipolysis. The order of potency of the alpha-antagonists for the human alpha-adrenoceptor of adipocytes was: yohimbine > piperoxane > phenoxybenzamine > prazosin. This order is consistent with an alpha 2 type receptor. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that the alpha-adrenergic receptor which inhibits lypolysis in human fat cells is of the alpha 2 type. it is noteworthy that although localized postsynaptically this alpha-receptor can be classified as alpha 2 like the commonly known presynaptic alpha-adrenergic receptor which inhibits noradrenaline release from sympathetic neurons.

Regulation of plasma insulin level by alpha 2-adrenergic receptors

Phentolamine, yohimbine or dihydroergotamine markedly increased plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and inhibited epinephrine-induced hyperglycemia in fasted mice. On the other hand, phenoxybenzamine or prazosin only slightly increased plasma IRI and enhanced epinephrine-induced hyperglycemia. These results indicate that there is a distinct difference in the effects of alpha-adrenergic blockers on the plasma IRI and glucose levels, and that alpha-adrenergic receptors responsible for the plasma IRI level resemble alpha 2-adrenergic receptors more closely.

Agonist versus antagonist binding to alpha-adrenergic receptors

The binding properties of two alpha-adrenergic radioligands, [3H]epinephrine (an agonist) and [3H]dihydroergocryptine (an antagonist), were compared in two model systems--membranes derived from human platelets and membranes from rat liver. The platelet contains exclusively alpha 2 and the liver mostly (approximately 80%) alpha 1 receptors. Agonists induce the formation of a guanine nucleotide-sensitive high-affinity state of alpha 2 but not alpha 1 receptors. [3H]Dihydroergocryptine labels all the alpha receptors, whereas [3H]epinephrine at low concentrations labels predominantly the high-affinity form of the alpha 2 receptor in both platelet and liver. However, in the liver, alpha-adrenergic effects such as glycogen phosphorylase activation are shown to be mediated via alpha 1 receptors. Thus, in liver membranes the endogenous "physiological" agonist may not label the physiologically relevant alpha 1 receptors in typical radioligand binding assays using low concentrations of [3H]epinephrine.

Vasoconstriction mediated by postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation

The postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors involved in vasoconstriction brought about by B-HT 933 (2-amino-6-ethyl-4,5,7,8-tetrahydro-6H-oxazolo-[5,4-d]-azepin) administered i.v. to pithed, normotensive rats were characterized. The rate of onset of the hypertensive response to i.v. B-HT 933 is slower than that induced by (-)-phenylephrine, an agonist of alpha 1-adrenoceptors. The antagonism of the alpha-adrenoceptor blocking drugs rauwolscine, yohimbine and corynanthine was quantified towards B-HT 933-induced increases in diastolic pressure. Rauwolscine (pA2 = 7.06) and yohimbine (pA2 = 6.83) were effective antagonists, whereas corynanthine proved much less potent (pA2 = 5.03). On the basis of the reported selectivity of yohimbine and its two diastereoisomers rauwolscine and corynanthine for alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors, it is concluded that the postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors triggered by B-HT 933 are of the alpha 2-type. B-HT 933 identifies a subclass of postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors in vascular smooth muscle distinct from postsynaptic alpha 1-adrenoceptors. Both types of alpha-adrenoceptors are likely to be involved in the mediation of vasoconstriction.

Sedative and analgesic actions of methoxylated 2-aminotetralins; involvement of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoreceptors

Three 5,8-dimethoxylated derivatives of 2-aminotetralin (2-AT) were compared with clonidine, methoxamine and phenylephrine in tests for sedation (inhibition of exploratory activity) and analgesia. In both tests the 2-AT derivatives were less potent than clonidine, but more potent than methoxamine or phenylephrine. Antagonism of the 2-AT derivative, DR-31, and clonidine by yohimbine in both tests argues for the involvement of alpha 2-adrenoreceptors in the mediation of these behavioral effects. alpha 1-Adrenoreceptors may also mediate an inhibition of exploratory activity since the inhibition induced by methoxamine was antagonized by phenoxybenzamine (POB) but not by yohimbine. The methoxylated 2-AT derivatives, which have previously been shown to exert potent peripheral alpha 1-agonism are now demonstrated to have sedative and analgesic effects characteristic of central alpha 2-adrenergic stimulation.

Evidence that catecholamines stimulate renal gluconeogenesis through an alpha 1-type of adrenoceptor

1. Noradrenaline stimulates gluconeogenesis through an alpha-adrenoceptor in renal cortical tubule fragments from fed rats incubated with 5 mM-lactate. 2. The selective alpha 1-adrenoreceptor agonist methoxamine stimulated gluconeogenesis, but the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine was ineffective. 3. The selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist thymoxamine blocked the stimulatory effects on gluconeogenesis of noradrenaline and of oxymetazoline (a synthetic alpha-agonist). The selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine was ineffective in this respect. 4. It is concluded that noradrenaline and oxymetazoline stimulate gluconeogenesis in rat kidney via an alpha 1-rather than an alpha 2-type of adrenoceptor.

Alpha-adrenoceptive influences on the control of the sleep-waking cycle in the cat

Polygraphic 16 h sleep recording were carried out in 35 adult cats following i.p. injections of various alpha-adrenoceptors agonists, antagonists and their combinations. The direct alpha-agonists, clonidine (CLO 0.005, 0.01 and 0.02 mg/kg) and xylazine (XYL 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg), dose-dependently decreased paradoxical sleep (PS) and deep slow wave sleep (S2), with a respective increase mainly in drowsy waking (D). alpha-Methyldopa, precursor of the potent alpha-agonist, alpha-m-noradrenaline (alpha-m-NA) suppressed PS, with little effect on other vigilance stages. Of the alpha-antagonists only phentolamine (PHE 10 and 20 mg/kg) increased significantly the 16 h mean of PS. Thymoxamine (THY 5 mg/kg) gave a modest, temporary increment in PS between 4 and 8 h after the injection, but the effect diminished with 10 mg/kg THY. Yohimbine (YOH 2 mg/kg) induced an early increment in aroused waking (A). Tolazoline (TOL 6 mg/kg) and THY (5 and 10 mg/kg) increased D in the first 4 h epoch. Phenoxybenzamine (PBZ 10 mg/kg) significantly decreased the 16 h mean of S2 and PS. PHE antagonized the PS suppressing effect of CLO (0.01 mg/kg) already at the dose of 5 mg/kg and with 10 and 20 mg/kg its PS increasing character prevailed. TOL (6 mg/kg) and YOH (2 mg/kg) were also effective antagonists to CLO. THY (5 and 10 mg/kg) was ineffective in this respect and clearly potentiated the S2 inhibiting effect of CLO. PBZ (10 mg/kg) powerfully potentiated both PS and S2 suppressing effects of CLO. PHE (20 mg/kg) was tested against XYL (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) and alpha-methyldopa (100 mg/kg). It also antagonized the PS inhibiting action of these drugs. All the three agonists preferentially stimulate presynaptic (alpha 2) type of alpha-adrenoceptors, inhibitory to noradrenaline (NA) transmission. Furthermore, as only antagonists possessing presynaptic potency inhibited PS suppression by alpha 2-agonists, while preferential alpha 1-antagonists were either ineffective or potentiated this effect, the results favor the hypothesis of a positive involvement of NA in the mechanisms of PS. The optimal level of NA transmission for PS may, however, be postulated to lie below that for arousal, in which case the balanced blockade of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors by PHE might be exceptionally favorable to PS. The possible role of alpha-adrenoceptive influences on cholinergic and 5-HT neurons and their relevance to alpha 2-agonist-induced sedation and inhibition of PS and S2 are discussed.

Tonic descending inhibition of the spinal somato-sympathetic reflex from the lower brain stem

In chloralose-anaesthetized cats the spinal and supraspinal components of the somato-sympathetic reflex were evoked in the white ramus at T3 and/or L2 by stimulation of intercostal and spinal nerves. A reversible blockade of all ascending and descending spinal pathways was performed by cooling the spinal cord between the second and third cervical segment. Total blockade of conduction was produced at temperatures below 8.5 degrees C (281.5 K). The spinal blockade produced the following reversible effects. (1) Mean arterial pressure fell to 30-50 mm Hg (4.0-6.7 kpa) and the tonic background activity in the white ramus was reduced to 0-24% of control (mean 12.1 +/- 10.0%). (2) The amplitude of the early spinal reflex was increased from 100% to 111-316% (mean 200.9 +/- 49.5%, n = 49) at the thoracic level and to 125-342% (mean 181.4 +/- 74.4%, n = 7) at the lumbar level. The onset latency of the spinal reflex at T3 (range 8-21 msec) was shortened by 0.5-3.0 msec (mean 1.7 +/- 0.9 msec). (3) Supraspinal components were completely abolished. (4) Neither baroreceptor denervation nor midcollicular decerebration altered these effects. (5) The cold block induced increase of the amplitude of the spinal reflex was reduced by the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine; this effect was reversed by the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine. Selective cooling of the dorsolateral funiculus caused the same effects on the spinal and supraspinal reflexes as cold block of the whole spinal cord. From these findings it is concluded that in the anaesthetized cat the spinal component of the somato-sympathetic reflex is modulated by a descending tonic inhibition. This inhibition acts at both the thoracic and the lumbar level and its origin is in the medulla oblongata. This inhibition is, however, independent of baroreceptor inputs. The pathways descends in the dorsolateral funiculus. It is suggested that noradrenaline or adrenaline might be involved in the transmission of this inhibitory influence.

Recent developments in noradrenergic neurotransmission and its relevance to the mechanism of action of certain antihypertensive agents

This report reviews a number of significant developments in the fields of noradrenergic transmission and adrenergic receptors which suggest that, in addition to the classical postsynaptic adrenoceptors, there are also presynaptic adrenoceptors that help modulate the release of norepinephrine (NE) from peripheral as well as central noradrenergic nerve endings during nerve stimulation. In particular, stimulation of presynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors reduces this release of transmitter and the reverse is observed after blockade of these receptors. Clearcut pharmacological differences exist between the postsynaptic alpha 1-adrenoceptors that mediate the responses of certain organs and the presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors that modulate the NE release during nerve stimulation. Therefore, subclassification of alpha-adrenoceptors into alpha 1 and alpha 2 subtypes is warranted but must be considered to be independent of the anatomical location of these receptors. Some noradrenergic nerve endings have also been shown to possess beta-adrenergic receptors, the stimulation of which increases the quantity of transmitter released by nerve impulses. Physiologically, these receptors could be activated by circulating epinephrine (E) and be involved in essential hypertension. A third type of catecholamine receptor found at the noradrenergic nerve ending is the inhibitory dopamine (DA) receptor, which might be of significance in the development of new antihypertensive agents. Application of these new concepts of noradrenergic neurotransmission and the subclassification of alpha-adrenoceptors to the treatment of hypertension is presented. Clonidine, for example, appears to be a potent alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist; the central receptor involved in its antihypertensive action is pharmacologically an alpha 2-type but located postsynaptically. Clonidine also induces activation of peripheral presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors, which might contribute to its cardiovascular action. The antihypertensive effects of alpha-methyldopa are related to the formation of alpha-methylnorepinephrine, a preferential alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, which can stimulate peripheral presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors leading to a decrease of NE release and a reduction in sympathetic tone. Prazosin is a new antihypertensive agent the mechanism of action of which involves a selective blockade of postsynaptic alpha 1-adrenoceptors. This drug does not antagonize several effects of clonidine that are mediated via alpha 2-adrenoceptors. The mechanisms presently considered to account for the antihypertensive activity of beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents are numerous. It is proposed that blockade of peripheral presynaptic facilitatory beta-adrenoceptors could be of significance in the antihypertensive action of these drugs.

Inhibition of lipolysis in hamster adipocytes with selective alpha-adrenergic stimuli. Functional characterization of the alpha-receptor

This communication shows the relative potencies of the alpha-agonists clonidine, methoxamine, methyl norepinephrine and phenylephrine in producing inhibition of lipolysis. At cell densities greater than 15 mg cell/ml lipolysis activated by either 1-methyl-3-isobutyl xanthine or adenosine deaminase was inhibited by alpha-adrenergic stimuli with a rank order of potency of clonidine greater than methoxamine greater than methyl norepinephrine; phenylephrine produced a further stimulation of lipolysis. At the same cell density isoproterenol-accelerated lipolysis was inhibited by alpha-adrenergic stimuli with a rank order of potency of phenylephrine greater than methoxamine greater than clonidine greater than methyl norepinephrine. When the density of fat cells was reduced to less than 5 mg/ml, clonidine was a more effective inhibitor of isoproterenol-activated lipolysis thatn phenylephrine. Lipolysis that was activated by dibutyryl cyclic AMP, ACTH or cholera enterotoxin was not reduced by any alpha-adrenergic agent. Under conditions when clonidine failed to inhibit catecholamine-activated lipolysis (i.e., at cell densities greater than 15 mg/ml), it failed to antagonize the antilipolytic activity of phenylephrine. The antilipolytic activities of clonidine and phenylephrine were most effectively antagonized by the blocking drugs phentolamine and yohimbine; in contrast, phenoxybenzamine and prazosin were less effective blockers. These data indicate that the alpha-adrenergic receptor on hamster fat cells is similar to presynaptic alpha-adrenergic receptors. The data further suggest the possibility that phenylephrine may exert its action through a separate alpha-adrenergic receptor mechanism.

Postsynaptic alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the circulatory system of the pithed rat: selective stimulation of the alpha 2-type by B-HT 933

The antagonism by yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) of vasopressor responses in pithed rats was most pronounced towards B-HT 933 (dose ratio 18.3) and moderate towards clonidine (dose ratio 3.7) and especially L-phenylephrine (dose ratio 2.5). Prazosin (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) had no effect on the pressor responses to B-HT 933, moderately affected those to clonidine (dose ratio 3.9), but strongly diminished those to L-phenylephrine (dose ratio 53). Phentolamine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) was devoid of a differential antagonism. The results obtained suggest a subclassification of postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors into alpha 1- and alpha 2-subtypes mediating pressor effects. B-HT 933 is a selective agonist and yohimbine an antagonist of postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors. L-Phenylephrine preferably stimulates and prazosin preferentially occupies the alpha 1-adrenoceptors. Clonidine is a potent agonist of both types and phentolamine behaves as a non-selective antagonist.

Antagonist/agonist-preferring alpha-adrenoceptors or alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptors?

Yohimbine and some stereoisomeric alkaloids inhibited the binding of 3H-clonidine and 3H-WB-4101 to rat cerebral cortex membranes. Rauwolscine and yohimbine had much higher affinity to the 3H-clonidine than to the 3H-WB-4101 site, whereas the reverse was true for corynanthine. The results indicate that the 3H-clonidine site is an alpha 2-adrenoceptor and not an agonist-selective site whereas the 3H-WB-4101 site is an alpha 1-andrenoceptor and not an antagonist-selective site.

Subclassification of two types of alpha-adrenergic binding sites in rat liver

Drug specificity studies with prazosin and yohimbine indicated that the two types of alpha-adrenergic binding sites identified using [3H]-epinephrine and [3H]-dihydroergocryptine in rat liver plasma membranes both belong to the alpha 1-sublcass.

Effect of insulin, catecholamines and calcium ions on phospholipid metabolism in isolated white fat-cells

The incorporation of [(32)P]P(i) into phosphatidylinositol by rat fat-cells was markedly increased in the presence of adrenaline. Phosphatidic acid labelling was also increased, but to a lesser extent. These effects are due to alpha(1)-adrenergic stimulation since they were unaffected by propranolol, blocked by alpha-blockers in the potency order prazosin<<phentolamine<yohimbine and mimicked by methoxamine. The alpha-adrenergic stimulation of phosphatidylinositol labelling did not require extracellular Ca(2+), which supports the hypothesis that an increased turnover of phosphatidylinositol is involved in alpha-adrenergic activation of Ca(2+) entry. Insulin and the ionophore A23187 gave a small increase in (32)P labelling of phosphatidylinositol in Ca(2+)-free medium containing 1mm-EGTA. The increases due to insulin or ionophore A23187 were abolished if 2.5mm-Ca(2+) was added to medium containing EGTA. However, the increases in labelling of phosphatidylinositol due to alpha-adrenergic amines were still evident in medium containing EGTA and Ca(2+). Lipolytic agents such as corticotropin, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, adrenaline in the presence of phentolamine and isoproterenol decreased [(32)P]P(i) incorporation into phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidic acid. This inhibitory effect may be secondary to accumulation of intracellular unesterified fatty acids, since it was decreased by incubating fewer cells in medium with 6 rather than 3% albumin and was restored by the addition of oleate to the medium. The incorporation of [(32)P]P(i) into phosphatidylcholine was unaffected by lipolytic agents. The data suggest that there is an inhibition of the synthesis of certain phospholipids in the presence of lipolytic agents, which may be secondary to intracellular accumulation of unesterified fatty acids.

Characterization of postsynaptic alpha-adrenergic receptors by [3H]-dihydroergocryptine binding in muscular arteries from the rat mesentery

Alpha-adrenergic receptors are likely to be important determinants of the effects of catecholamines on vascular resistance. To study the alpha-adrenergic receptor in muscular arteries of the type that determine vascular resistance, we characterized and quantitated alpha-adrenergic receptors in a particulate fraction of the highly reactive, richly innervated arteries of the rat mesentery. With the ligand [3H]-dihydroergocryptine ([3H]-DHEC), specific binding (displaceable by 5 microM phentolamine) is saturable. There is a single class of binding sites with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 2.9 nM and a maximal binding capacity of 68 fmoles of [3H]-DHEC per mg of particulate fraction protein. Catecholamines compete for [3H]-DHEC binding stereospecifically and with the alpha-adrenergic potency series of (-)epinephrine greater than (-)norepinephrine greater than (-)isoproterenol. Binding is rapid (t 1/2 less than or equal to 2 mins) and rapidly reversible (t 1/2 less than or equal to 2 mins). Inhibition of [3H]-DHEC binding by the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine (Kd = 3.0 nM) is much greater than by the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (Kd = 8200 nM). The alpha 1-selective antagonist prazosin (Kd = 63 nM) is 20 times more potent in competing for [3H]-DHEC binding than is the alpha 2-selective antagonist yohimbine (Kd = 1250 nM), thus suggesting that the alpha-adrenergic receptor identified is predominantly of the alpha 1 subtype that is responsible for vascular smooth muscle contraction. This extension of radioligand binding techniques to highly innervated muscular arteries of the type contributing to vascular resistance will allow the study of the role of the vascular alpha-adrenergic receptor in various physiologic states and models of hypertension.

Noradrenergic alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptors: light microscopic autoradiographic localization

[3H]WB-4101 and p-[3H]aminoclonidine were used for light microscopic autoradiographic localization of alpha 1 and alpha 2 adrenergic receptors, respectively, in the rat brain. The binding of these ligands to slide-mounted tissue sections had all of the characteristics associated with alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptors. It was saturable with appropriate kinetic constants and was blocked only by other alpha-adrenergic drugs with the appropriate potency. Autoradiographic studies revealed a distribution of alpha-adrenergic receptors throughout the nervous system. Certain areas had elevated levels. These included parts of the olfactory bulb and nucleus, parts of the cerebral cortex and dentate gyrus, the more medial portions of the hypothalamus and thalamus, the locus ceruleus and nucleus tractus solitarii, and parts of the spinal cord. In certain areas, the distribution of alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptors was markedly different. These results provide some rational basis for the observed actions of alpha-adrenergic drugs on the central nervous system. For example, the finding of high densities of alpha 2 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii is most likely related to its antihypertensive action. The observed codistribution of alpha 2 receptors with opiate receptors would provide an explanation of the observation that alpha 2 agonists block opiate withdrawal. The results are also discussed in relationship to the anatomy of catecholamine systems in the brain.