Alpha-1L adrenergic receptor (Alpha-1L)

The Alpha-1L adrenergic receptor is a functional phenotype of the alpha-1A adrenergic receptor (ADRA1A), characterized by its uniquely low affinity for the antagonist prazosin. It is the predominant alpha-1 adrenoceptor subtype found in the human lower urinary tract, specifically within the prostatic smooth muscle, bladder neck, and urethra. Under physiological conditions, its activation by norepinephrine leads to smooth muscle contraction, which regulates urinary resistance. In the context of disease, overexpression or overactivity of this receptor contributes to the dynamic component of urinary obstruction in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Therapeutic interventions typically involve the use of uroselective alpha-1 blockers, such as tamsulosin and silodosin, which antagonize these receptors to relax the prostatic and urethral smooth muscle, thereby improving urine flow and alleviating lower urinary tract symptoms.

Other names

Low-affinity alpha-1A adrenoceptoralpha-1L adrenoceptoralpha-1L ARProstatic alpha-1 adrenoceptor

Antagonism of the post-synaptic alpha-1L receptors in the prostate and urethra, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and reduced resistance to urinary outflow.