Postsynaptic alpha adrenoceptors on vascular smooth muscle

A heterogeneous population of alpha adrenoceptors mediates vasoconstriction in the canine saphenous vein (CSV). Studies with isolated strips of venous smooth muscle incubated with selective alpha-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists revealed that both alpha 1 and alpha 2 adrenoceptors exist independently in this tissue and both subtypes mediate a contractile response. Measurement of contractile responses in reduced or zero external calcium conditions indicates that stimulation of alpha 1 adrenoceptors induces contractions by influx of extracellular calcium and release of calcium from internal stores. In contrast, 45Ca uptake studies suggest that activation of the postsynaptic alpha 2 adrenoceptor produces vasoconstriction dependent only on influx of extracellular calcium. The influx of calcium produced by the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist BHT-920 is inhibited by calcium entry blockers. Measurements of transmembrane potentials from smooth muscle cells of the CSV suggest that alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation produces depolarization and contraction (electromechanical coupling) whereas alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation does not result in concentration-dependent depolarization of the smooth muscle cells (pharmacomechanical coupling).