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Stimulants Alpha vs. Beta Blockers

5_HT2A

Bluelighter
Joined
Jun 11, 2014
Messages
67
So alpha and beta adrenergic receptors confuse me. It's like alpha 1 agonism results in lower blood pressure - alpha blockers are used for hypertension, but I though activation would mean higher.. also beta 1 or beta 2 agonism is the same as a2 agonism or some confusing shite like that. I don't get it. Also antagonism of one of the alphas causes tachycardia.. so confusing.

What does agonism/antagonism do to a1/a2/b1/b2??? What combination results in most vasodilation and least tachycardia?
 
Ok well I found that if you only antagonize
β-adrenergic receptors, you'll increase vasoconstriction. At least that's what Wikipedia said.
 
alpha1: postsynaptic receptor controls blood pressure, agonism results in vasoconstriction. this is a target for decongestants.
alpha2: presynaptic receptor controls release of norepinephrine & adrenaline. agonism results in decreased release of NE and hence decreased b.p., etc.
beta1: postsynaptic receptor controls cardiac output, agonism increases cardiac speed and b.p., antagonism causes less effect by NE (e.g. beta blockers)
 
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