Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha
Synonyms
Adrenergic alpha Receptors
Adrenergic alpha-Receptors
Receptor, Adrenergic, alpha
Receptors, alpha Adrenergic
Receptors, alpha-Adrenergic
alpha Adrenergic Receptors
alpha-Adrenergic Receptors
alpha-Receptors, Adrenergic
One of the two major pharmacological subdivisions of adrenergic receptors that were originally defined by the relative potencies of various adrenergic compounds. The alpha receptors were initially described as excitatory receptors that post-junctionally stimulate SMOOTH MUSCLE contraction. However, further analysis has revealed a more complex picture involving several alpha receptor subtypes and their involvement in feedback regulation.