Abstract
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system play a powerful role in controlling cardiac function by activating adrenergic and muscarinic receptors. In the human heart there exist α1-, β1- and β2-adrenoceptors and M2-muscarinic receptors and possibly also (prejunctional) α2-adrenoceptors. β1- and β2-adrenoceptors are quite evenly distributed in the human heart while M2-receptors are heterogeneously distributed (more receptors in atria than in ventricles). Stimulation of β1- and β2-adrenoceptors causes increases in heart rate and force of contraction while stimulation of M2-receptors decreases heart rate (directly in atria) and force of contraction (indirectly in ventricles). Pathological situations (such as heart failure) or pharmacological interventions (for example, β-blocker treatment) can alter the distribution of β1- and β2-adrenoceptors in the human heart, while M2-receptors are only marginally affected. On the other hand, relatively little is known on distribution and functional role of α1- and α2-adrenoceptor subtypes in the human heart.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 23 March 2001, Returned for revision: 25 May 2001, Revision received: 16 July 2001, Accepted: 21 August 2001
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Brodde, OE., Bruck, H., Leineweber, K. et al. Presence, distribution and physiological function of adrenergic and muscarinic receptor subtypes in the human heart. Basic Res Cardiol 96, 528–538 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003950170003
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003950170003