Spinal Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptor (α2-AR)

The spinal alpha-2 adrenergic receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that mediates the effects of catecholamines, primarily norepinephrine and epinephrine, within the spinal cord. It plays a crucial role in modulating neurotransmitter release, neuronal excitability, and pain transmission. There are three main subtypes: α2A, α2B, and α2C, with α2A being the predominant subtype involved in analgesia. Activation of these receptors leads to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, decreased cAMP production, and reduced neurotransmitter release, ultimately resulting in analgesia and other systemic effects like sedation and hypotension.

Other names

Spinal Adrenergic Receptor Alpha 2Spinal Alpha2 AdrenoceptorSpinal α2 Adrenergic Receptor

Gi protein activation, inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, decreased cAMP production, reduced PKA activity, hyperpolarization via increased potassium efflux, inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels, reduced neurotransmitter release.