Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
10:26
Bladder Smooth Muscle Strip Contractility as a Method to Evaluate Lower Urinary Tract Pharmacology
Published on: August 18, 2014
Alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes and lower urinary tract symptoms
Debra A Schwinn1, Claus G Roehrborn
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-6540, USA. dschwinn@u.washington.edu
Summary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causes urinary issues in aging men. Alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists effectively treat these lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by relaxing smooth muscle and reducing resistance.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition causing urinary outflow obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men.
- Alpha(1)-adrenoceptor (alpha(1)AR) antagonists are a primary treatment for LUTS, offering relief by relaxing prostate smooth muscle and decreasing urethral resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent clinical trials on alpha(1)AR antagonists for LUTS treatment.
- To explore the role of specific alpha(1)AR subtypes in managing LUTS associated with BPH.
Main Methods:
- Review of key recent clinical trials.
- Analysis of alpha(1)AR antagonist efficacy and subtype specificity.
Main Results:
- Alpha(1)AR antagonists are effective in relieving bladder LUTS symptoms.
- New insights suggest specific alpha(1)AR subtypes play a crucial role in treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Alpha(1)AR antagonists remain a cornerstone therapy for BPH-related LUTS.
- Understanding alpha(1)AR subtype roles may refine treatment strategies for lower urinary tract symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype
Adrenoceptors are classified into α and ꞵ classes based on their potencies to catecholamine agonists. α-adrenoceptors show the following order of catecholamine potency:
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
01:22Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
α-Adrenergic antagonists, known as α-blockers, exert their effects by inhibiting α-adrenoceptors, leading to specific physiological actions. α1-blockers and α2-blockers have distinct pharmacological actions and therapeutic applications.
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally, α1-blockers effectively address urinary obstruction...
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally, α1-blockers effectively address urinary obstruction...
01:26Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
β-adrenoceptors have varied sensitivities towards adrenaline, noradrenaline, and isoprenaline. The order of agonist potency is as follows:
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
01:27Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification
Adrenergic receptors, or adrenoceptors, respond to the autonomic neurotransmitter noradrenaline and other endogenous catecholamine agonists. They are classified into two main families, α and β, based on their pharmacological response and are further subdivided depending on their location, elicited response, and affinity to specific agonists or antagonists.
α-Adrenoceptors
α-Adrenoceptors are classified into two main subtypes: α1 and α2. The α1 adrenoceptors, which are found on postsynaptic...
α-Adrenoceptors
α-Adrenoceptors are classified into two main subtypes: α1 and α2. The α1 adrenoceptors, which are found on postsynaptic...
01:17Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
Adrenergic antagonists, or sympatholytics, inhibit adrenoceptor activation driven by catecholamines or agonists. Based on their adrenoceptor specificity, adrenergic blockers can be categorized into two primary groups: α-adrenergic blockers (α-blockers) and β-adrenergic blockers (β-blockers). α-blockers interact with α1 and α2 subtypes of α-adrenoceptors.
Nonselective α-blockers: Nonselective α-blockers contain haloalkylamine or imidazoline moieties. Phenoxybenzamine, with a haloalkylamine...
Nonselective α-blockers: Nonselective α-blockers contain haloalkylamine or imidazoline moieties. Phenoxybenzamine, with a haloalkylamine...
01:30Adrenergic Agonists: Direct-Acting Agents
Drugs that mimic the action of endogenous catecholamines like noradrenaline and adrenaline are called adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetics. Based on their mechanism of action, sympathomimetics can be classified as direct-, indirect-, or mixed-acting sympathomimetics. Direct-acting adrenergic agonists activate adrenoceptors without affecting presynaptic neurons, making them independent of neuronal catecholamine-depleting agents like reserpine and guanethidine.
These agents can be classified...
These agents can be classified...