What does the alpha 2 adrenergic receptor do?
The α-2A and -2C subtypes are found mainly in the central nervous system. Stimulation of these receptor subtypes may be responsible for sedation, analgesia, and sympatholytic effects. The α-2B receptors are found more frequently on vascular smooth muscle and have been shown to mediate vasopressor effects.
What happens when you stimulate beta 2 receptors?
Stim-ulation of beta-2 receptors on skeletal muscle cells causes increased contractility and may lead to muscle tremors. Beta-2 receptor stimulation in the heart can cause increases in the heart rate and various arrhythmias, with overdoses in humans also causing precordial pressure or chest pain.
Where are alpha 2 adrenergic receptors?
Alpha 2 receptors are found both in the brain and in the periphery. In the brain stem, they modulate sympathetic outflow. Their function in the periphery is not yet fully understood, but they may contribute both to control of sympathetic tone and to local and regional blood flow.
Where are alpha-2 receptors located in the body?
Where are alpha-2 receptors in the brain?
α2A-Adrenoceptor mRNA is most widely distributed, being found in the cerebral cortex, locus coeruleus, amygdala, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, nucleus tractus solitarii, ventrolateral reticular formation, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia.
What is the action of beta-2 adrenergic?
β2 adrenergic agonists’ effects on smooth muscle cause dilation of bronchial passages, vasodilation in muscle and liver, relaxation of uterine muscle, and release of insulin. They are primarily used to treat asthma and other pulmonary disorders, such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What does an alpha-2 antagonist do?
Alpha-2 antagonist antidepressants are medications prescribed to treat depression. Alpha-2 agonist antidepressants work on the central nervous system to increase the levels and modulate the activity of norepinephrine and serotonin, chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) released by nerve cells (neurons).