Effect of common carotid occlusion on beta-adrenergic receptor function in cerebral microvessels

beta-adrenergic receptors were measured in cerebral microvessels of gerbils and rats after ligature of the right or left common carotid artery. The results indicate a decrease in the number of beta-adrenergic receptors in brain microvessels of both ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres. This event may reflect altered patterns of the neuronal regulation of brain microvasculature and may be related to cerebrovascular alterations which are concomitant with ischemia. Furthermore, the results show that the decrease in beta-receptor density is more pronounced in the left hemisphere, independently on the side of carotid occlusion. This finding suggests that microvessel function in the left side of the brain is more vulnerable to hypoxia effects.