What is an Adrenergic Receptor?

Adrenergic receptors are metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors. They are linked to G proteins to activate a secondary messenger which binds and opens ion channels. There are 2 groups of adrenergic receptors, the alpha (α) and beta (β) which are divided in different subtypes.

Types of Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptors

These receptors consist of three homologous subtypes: α_2A-, α_{2B- ,} α_2C- adrenergic receptors and are found on the presynaptic terminals. All three subtypes inhibit the activation of adenylyl cyclase and reduce the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).

Catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are released during the body’s stress response and activate the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. Norepinephrine inhibits its own release by binding to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.

Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists have been used to treat medical conditions such as hypertension, symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal and they are widely used in anesthesia.

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