Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers01:17

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of β1 Blockers

421
β1-receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. In cardiac myocytes, these receptors interact with neurotransmitters released by the sympathetic nervous system during heightened activity or danger. As a result, β1-receptors get activated, initiating a series of biochemical processes. Excessive activation of beta receptors due to chronic stress can abnormally increase heart rate and contractility, resulting in high blood pressure or hypertension. To counteract this,...
421
Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification01:27

Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification

2.5K
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,...
2.5K
Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure01:17

Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure

2.6K
Endocrinal or hormonal intervention in the cardiovascular system is predominantly exerted by the catecholamines - epinephrine and norepinephrine, as well as a slew of hormones that interact with renal function to modulate blood volume.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction...
2.6K
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers01:22

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers

713
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,...
713
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype01:31

Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype

1.5K
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...
1.5K
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype01:26

Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype

1.6K
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...
1.6K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Central Systolic Blood Pressure and Left Ventricular Mass: Findings From the International 24-Hour Aortic Blood Pressure Consortium.

Journal of the American Heart Association·2026
Same author

Twenty-Four-Hour Central Ambulatory Blood Pressure: Relationship With Measures of Cardiovascular Subclinical Organ Damage in Healthy Individuals.

Journal of the American Heart Association·2025
Same author

Artificial intelligence in healthcare research: Research ethics perspective.

British journal of clinical pharmacology·2025
Same author

Ethnic differences in plasma aldosterone concentration and regulatory mechanisms of aldosterone: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMJ open·2025
Same author

Phenotypes of Hypertension: Impact of Age and Sex on Hemodynamic Mechanisms.

Journal of the American Heart Association·2025
Same author

Call to action: British and Irish hypertension society position statement on blood pressure treatment thresholds and targets.

Journal of human hypertension·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
12:03

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors

Published on: June 7, 2016

17.9K

Adrenoceptors and Hypertension.

Spoorthy Kulkarni1, Ian B Wilkinson2

  • 1Department of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Vascular Research Clinic, ACCI Level 3, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|June 18, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Hypertension, a common condition, involves blood vessel changes and end-organ damage. Early stages show hemodynamic shifts and kidney issues, with adrenoceptor stimulation and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system playing key roles.

Keywords:
AdrenoceptorsEssential HypertensionPathophysiology

More Related Videos

Assessing Murine Resistance Artery Function Using Pressure Myography
07:25

Assessing Murine Resistance Artery Function Using Pressure Myography

Published on: June 7, 2013

22.1K
A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis
08:21

A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis

Published on: October 26, 2020

4.7K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
12:03

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors

Published on: June 7, 2016

17.9K
Assessing Murine Resistance Artery Function Using Pressure Myography
07:25

Assessing Murine Resistance Artery Function Using Pressure Myography

Published on: June 7, 2013

22.1K
A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis
08:21

A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis

Published on: October 26, 2020

4.7K

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hypertension is a prevalent condition causing significant mortality and morbidity due to vascular and end-organ damage.
  • Early hypertension stages, particularly in young men, involve hemodynamic alterations like increased cardiac output and peripheral resistance.
  • Kidney damage from increased sodium reabsorption is a proposed initial trigger for essential hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension, focusing on adrenoceptor stimulation and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
  • To discuss the historical and current therapeutic roles of adrenoceptor antagonists and other antihypertensive agents.
  • To highlight hypertension management in specific complex medical conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pathophysiological mechanisms including catecholamine effects on adrenoceptors and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
  • Analysis of the therapeutic evolution of antihypertensive drugs, from early adrenoceptor blockers to current first-line agents.
  • Examination of hypertension in specific conditions like pregnancy, phaeochromocytoma, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Main Results:

  • Adrenoceptor stimulation (α1, β1) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation contribute to endothelial dysfunction and persistent hypertension.
  • While initially used, α1 blockers, α2 agonists, and β blockers are no longer first-line due to outcome trial results.
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and thiazide-like diuretics are now considered first-line therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Adrenoceptor agents remain relevant as second- or third-line therapy for hypertension.
  • Understanding adrenoceptor roles is crucial for managing hypertension in various clinical contexts.
  • This overview provides insights for clinicians and researchers on adrenoceptors in hypertension pathophysiology and treatment.