Alpha1 adrenergic receptor blockade in the male lower urinary tract and other body systems
Andersson, K.E.
Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. Supplementum 168: 13-19
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8886 PMID: 7541547 Document Number: 448119
Recent developments in pharmacology and molecular cloning techniques have led to an increased interest in the therapeutic potential of drugs which act via alpha adrenoceptors. Of particular interest are the alpha-1 adrenoceptors. Pharmacologically, two subtypes of the alpha-1 adrenoceptor have been characterised, namely alpha-1A and alpha-1B. Three subtypes with high affinity for selective alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonists have also been cloned, that is the alpha-1b, alpha-1c and alpha-1a/d subtypes. Selective alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonists have become an accepted treatment alternative in the management of both benign prostatic hyperplasia and hypertension, based on their ability to inhibit alpha-1 adrenoceptors of the lower urinary tract and cardiovascular system. Central actions may also be apparent. While cloned receptors of the prostatic stroma seem to be of the alpha-1c subtype, none of the adrenoceptor antagonists available today is subtype selective. This paper will discuss the characterisation and localisation of the different alpha-1 adrenoceptors and the therapeutic implications of inhibition.