The alpha1L-adrenoceptor is an alternative phenotype of the alpha1A-adrenoceptor

Despite over two decades of research, the molecular identity of the alpha1L-adrenoceptor phenotype has remained elusive. In this issue of the BJP, Gray et al. (2008) provide persuasive evidence that the in vivo alpha1L-adrenoceptor phenotype requires the expression of the alpha1A-adrenoceptor gene....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of pharmacology 2008-09, Vol.155 (1), p.1-3
Main Author: Nelson, Cp
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Genotype
Male
Mice
Mice, Knockout
Muscle Contraction - drug effects
Norepinephrine - metabolism
Phenotype
Prostate - drug effects
Prostate - innervation
Prostate - metabolism
Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 - deficiency
Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 - genetics
Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 - metabolism
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Summary:Despite over two decades of research, the molecular identity of the alpha1L-adrenoceptor phenotype has remained elusive. In this issue of the BJP, Gray et al. (2008) provide persuasive evidence that the in vivo alpha1L-adrenoceptor phenotype requires the expression of the alpha1A-adrenoceptor gene. They have shown that in mice lacking the functional alpha1A-adrenoceptor gene, alpha1L-mediated responses to noradrenaline in prostate smooth muscle are substantially attenuated. These findings support earlier evidence that the alpha(1L)-adrenoceptor profile represents a functional phenotype of the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor gene product, but additional cell background-dependent factors must act in concert with the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor protein to determine whether an alpha(1L)- or a classical alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor profile is expressed. The challenge remains to establish the nature of these cellular factors and the mechanism(s) by which they influence G-protein-coupled receptor pharmacology.
ISSN:0007-1188
DOI:10.1038/bjp.2008.264