Mechanisms of α-adrenoceptor mediated contractions of rat mesenteric artery

M. S. Kannan, A. E. Seip

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The nature of the calcium channels associated with the activation of alpha-adrenoceptors in vascular smooth muscle has been investigated. The inhibitory effects of nitrendipine, a calcium antagonist, were studied on the contractions elicited by α-adrenoceptor agonists in rat superior mesenteric artery. Responses to equieffective concentrations of phenylephrine (α1-adrenoceptor agonist), clonidine and BHT-920, (α2-adrenoceptor agonists), and noradrenaline (nonselective agonist) were inhibited differentially by the calcium antagonist, with the sensitivity order being as follows: BHT-920 = clonidine > phenylephrine > noradrenaline. When the contractions to two doses of noradrenaline were compared, the low dose response was more sensitive to nitrendipine inhibition than the high dose response. This differential inhibition was not seen for noradrenaline in the presence of verapamil or for phenylephrine in the presence of nitrendipine. The contractions of the vessel to the agonists in zero calcium conditions were not significantly different from each other. The sensitivity differences among the agonists to nitrendipine may arise from differences in the postreceptor mechanisms of activation. The differential sensitivity of noradrenaline responses suggests a greater heterogeneity of calcium channels than those available for the other agonists.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)419-423
Number of pages5
JournalCanadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
Volume64
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1986

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mechanisms of α-adrenoceptor mediated contractions of rat mesenteric artery'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this