Abstract
Adrenergic receptors (ARs) belong to a superfamily of the G-protein-coupled receptors and are categorized by their binding to endogenously occurring catecholamines, i.e., norepinephrine and epinephrine. Adrenergic receptors are classified into three groups (α1-, α2-, and β-ARs), each of which is further divided into three subtypes. The α1- (α1A-, α1B-, and α1D-ARs) couple with Gq family of G-proteins (G11, G14, G15, and G16) and result in activation of phospholipase C-βs that liberate two second messengers, diacylglycerol and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate. The three subtypes of α2-ARs are designated α2A-, α2B-, and α2C-AR. On binding with agonists, α2-AR inhibit adenylyl cyclase and calcium channels, but activate potassium channels through coupling to the Gi family of G-proteins (Gi1, Gi2, Gi3, and Go). Finally, the three groups of β-AR are designated β1-, β2-, and β3-AR: these increase the intracellular cAMP content by activating Gs, which is coupled to the enzyme, adenylyl cyclase (1).
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Aoki, C., Rodrigues, S., Kurose, H. (2000). Use of Electron Microscopy in the Detection of Adrenergic Receptors. In: Machida, C.A. (eds) Adrenergic Receptor Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 126. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-684-3:535
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-684-3:535
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