Vascular α1D-Adrenoceptors: Are They Related to Hypertension?

Heterogeneity of vascular α1-adrenoceptor subtypes has been revealed by pharmacological and molecular biology studies (i.e., α1A- , α1B- , and α1D-adrenoceptors). The α1D-adrenoceptor subtype is predominantly involved in the contraction of a variety of vessels and its role in the control of blood pressure has been suggested, a phenomenon probably related to aging. Recent advances in the use of young pre-hypertensive rats and adult spontaneously hypertensive rats with one kidney and Grollman-type renal hypertension suggest vascular α1D-adrenoceptor involvement in the increased blood pressure. The possible role of α1D-adrenoceptors in the genesis/maintenance of hypertension is discussed in this review.