Octopamine receptor, alpha-adrenergic type 1 (Octα1R)

The Octopamine receptor, alpha-adrenergic type 1 (Octα1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) found in invertebrates, structurally and functionally similar to mammalian adrenergic alpha-1 receptors[4][7]. It binds the biogenic amine octopamine, which acts as the invertebrate counterpart to norepinephrine, and mediates physiological processes such as locomotion, aggression, arousal, modulation of muscle contraction, and metabolic regulation[3][4][5]. Octα1R (sometimes also called OctαR or OAMB in Drosophila) is notable for orchestrating nervous and muscular system outputs and is involved in behavioral regulation, especially in response to stress or environmental challenges. It is not expressed in vertebrates; in these animals, octopamine shows low affinity for adrenergic and trace amine-associated receptors, but with no established physiological function[4][7]. The invertebrate Octα1R is a critical target for insecticides due to its absence in mammals, making it a selective neuro-toxicological site[4].

Other names

OctαRalpha-adrenergic-like octopamine receptorOAMB (in Drosophila; though this is an isoform-specific name)alpha-1 adrenergic-like octopamine receptor

Agonists (octopamine and synthetic compounds) stimulate cAMP or calcium signaling depending on the specific receptor and isoform - Antagonists (mianserin, phentolamine, chlorpromazine) block octopaminergic signaling