Alpha 1-adrenoceptors in the conduction system of rat hearts

1. We have characterized alpha 1-adrenoceptor in the conduction systems of the rat heart by quantitative autoradiography. 2. Consecutive 20 micron thick sections from a single rat heart containing the sinoatrial (SA) node and atrioventricular (AV) node were incubated with increasing concentrations of [3H]-prazosin with or without 10 microM phentolamine. After exposure to 3H-Ultrofilm, optical densities corresponding to the SA node and AV node were determined by computerized densitometry after comparison with 3H standards. 3. The SA node and AV node were stained heavily for cholinesterase and they contained a higher concentration of alpha 1-adrenoceptors than the adjacent myocardium without a significant change in the affinity. 4. These results support the hypothesis that alpha 1-adrenoceptors may play an important role not only in inotropism but also in chronotropism of rat hearts.