New Aspects in Hypertension Adrenoceptors : Symposium, November 1985, Munich

This book reports on the current state of knowledge about adreno­ ceptors and their involvement in the pathogenesis and treatment of high blood pressure. This is a relatively recent and extremely excit­ ing addition to the field of hypertension research. The development of new analytical procedures, such as radio ligand-binding methods, has made it possible to identify and quantify the adrenoceptors in different tissues and in circulating blood cells. As a consequence, much new and valuable information has been obtained. An under­ standing of the role of the fJ-adrenoceptor-adenylatecyclase-cAMP system in hypertension is one such product of this new approach. Both review articles and new experimental and clinical data are included in this volume. New aspects of the distribution, identifica­ tion and regulation, and the chronopharmacology of adrenoceptors, as well as beta blockade, will be highlighted. The clinical contributions concern the normal regulation of the fJ­ adrenoceptor-adenylatecyclase-cAMP system, and how it is altered in hypertensives as a possible mechanism in the pathogenesis and maintenance of essential hypertension. With this knowledge it is be­ coming easier to explain the molecular and cellular action behind the familiar role of the sympathico-adrenergic system in the devel­ opment of hypertension and the mechanism of beta blockade. The vast majority of the data available in this field is confined to periph­ eral mechanisms, owing to the limited possibilities for investigating the central nervous system under clinical conditions. Front Matter....Pages I-XII Central Nervous Noradrenergic and Adrenergic Systems and their Functions....Pages 1-13 Peripheral Sympathoadrenal System: Transmitter Release and Distribution of Adrenoceptors....Pages 14-24 Characterization of Adrenoceptors: Receptor-Binding Studies and Agonist-Antagonist Interaction....Pages 25-32 Agonist Interaction with α 2 -Adrenoceptors of Human Platelets....Pages 33-42 Regulation of the β -Adrenergic Receptor-Adenylate Cyclase System in Cardiac Membranes....Pages 43-64 Frequency Regulation in the Sinoatrial Node: Function of β 1 - and β 2 -Receptors....Pages 65-73 Mechanisms of Stimulatory and Inhibitory Coupling to Adenylate Cyclase....Pages 74-80 Aspects of the Pathogenesis of Essential Hypertension....Pages 81-90 Sympathetic Nervous System in Essential Hypertension: Activity and Reactivity....Pages 91-102 Adrenoceptors in Hypertension....Pages 103-116 Adrenoceptor Alterations in Different Tissues in Human and Animal Genetic Hypertension....Pages 117-125 Alpha 2 Adrenoceptor - Mediated Alteration of Contractile Systems....Pages 126-132 Beta Adrenoceptor Changes in Hypertension Induced by Dynamic Exercise....Pages 133-145 Effect of Fludrocortisone on Adrenoceptors and Free Intracellular Calcium in Man....Pages 146-154 Daily Variations in the Beta-Adrenoceptor-Adenylate-Cyclase- cAMP-Phosphodiesterase System....Pages 155-165 Hypotensive Effect of β -Adrenoceptor Blockers....Pages 166-191 Effects of Antihypertensive Agents on Alpha and Beta Adrenoceptors....Pages 193-207 Mode of Action of Beta Blockers in Hypertension....Pages 208-230 Back Matter....Pages 231-233