Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor

The alpha-1 (α₁) adrenergic receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) associated with the G_q heterotrimeric G-protein. It consists of three highly homologous subtypes, including α_1A-, α_1B-, and α_1D-adrenergic. Catecholamines like norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline) signal through the α₁-adrenergic receptor in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Effects

The α₁-adrenergic receptor has several general functions in common with the α₂-adrenergic receptor, but also has specific effects of its own. α1-receptors primarily mediate smooth muscle contraction, but have important functions elsewhere as well. The neurotransmitter noradrenaline has higher affinity for the α1 receptor than does adrenaline (which is a hormone).

Smooth muscle

In smooth muscle cells of blood vessels the principal effect of activation of these receptors is vasoconstriction. Blood vessels with α₁-adrenergic receptors are present in the skin, the sphincters of gastrointestinal system, kidney (renal artery) and brain. During the fight-or-flight response vasoconstriction results in decreased blood flow to these organs. This accounts for the pale appearance of the skin of an individual when frightened.