The alpha 1B/D-adrenoceptor knockout mouse permits isolation of the vascular alpha 1A-adrenoceptor and elucidates its relationship to the other subtypes.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Mesenteric and carotid arteries from the alpha(1B/D)-adrenoceptor knockout (alpha(1B/D)-KO) were employed to isolate alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor pharmacology and location and to reveal these features in the wild-type (WT) mouse.

Experimental approach

Functional pharmacology by wire myography and receptor localization by confocal microscopy, using the fluorescent alpha(1)-adrenoceptor ligand BODIPY FL-Prazosin (QAPB), on mesenteric (an 'alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor' tissue) and carotid (an 'alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor' tissue) arteries.

Key results

Alpha(1B/D)-KO mesenteric arteries showed straightforward alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor agonist/antagonist pharmacology. WT had complex pharmacology with alpha(1A)- and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor components. alpha(1B/D)-KO had a

SUBMITTER: Methven L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2795267 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature