Patterns of messenger RNA expression for alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes in human corpus cavernosum

J Urol. 1998 Aug;160(2):597-600.

Abstract

Purpose: The present study evaluated the expression of alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes in human corpus cavernosum.

Materials and methods: The mRNA encoding alpha1a, alpha1b and alpha1d subtypes were assessed by RNA-directed complementary cDNA synthesis followed by Taq DNA amplification. The level of alpha1 mRNA was calculated in arbitrary optical density units and normalized with respect to the length of the respective cDNA fragments.

Results: We found that alpha1a, alpha1b and alpha1d adrenoceptor subtypes are expressed in human corpus cavernosum, with a predominant expression of the alpha1a subtype.

Conclusion: These results suggest that alpha1a-adrenoceptor subtype is important and that understanding the biochemical and functional characteristics of this subtype may lead to the development of specific antagonists in the treatment of impotence.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / genetics
  • Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists
  • Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy
  • Gene Amplification
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Penis / metabolism*
  • Priapism / drug therapy
  • Prostate / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics*
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / classification
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics

Substances

  • Actins
  • Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Agonists
  • Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists
  • DNA, Complementary
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1