Cardiovascular Regulation in Mice Lacking α 2 -Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes b and c

• DOI: 10.1126/science.273.5276.803
• Publication Date: 2006-10-27T18:30:41Z
• Authors: Richard E. Link; Kavin Desai; Lutz Hein; Mary E. Stevens; Andrzej Chruscinski; Daniel Bernstein; Gregory S. Barsh; Brian K. Kobilka
• Keywords: Mice, Knockout; 0301 basic medicine; Imidazoles; Yohimbine; Blood Pressure; Mice, Inbred Strains; Prazosin; Medetomidine; Kidney; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; 3. Good health; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice; Phenylephrine; 03 medical and health sciences; Heart Rate; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2; Gene Targeting; Animals; Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists

α 2 -Adrenergic receptors (α ARs) are essential components of the neural circuitry regulating cardiovascular function. The role specific AR subtypes 2a , 2b and 2c ) was characterized with hemodynamic measurements obtained from strains genetically engineered mice deficient in either or receptors. Stimulation vascular smooth muscle produced hypertension counteracted clinically beneficial hypotensive effect stimulating central nervous system. There were no effects by disruption subtype. These results provide evidence for clinical efficacy more subtype-selective drugs.