Adrenergic Receptors

Nursing Knowledge

Adrenergic Receptors

Adrenergic receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptors on the surface of cells. There are different types: alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. Different medications can promote or counteract the effects of the receptors.

Last updated: October 9, 2024

What are adrenergic receptors?

Adrenergic receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptors on the surface of cells that are targets of the catecholamines, primarily norepinephrine and epinephrine. They are widely distributed throughout the body and play a key role in the sympathetic nervous system.

Alpha adrenergic receptors

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (α1)

Alpha-1 receptors (α1) are primarily located in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, the iris of the eye, and the GI/urinary tract.

Functions:

Vasoconstriction
Increased peripheral resistance
Increased blood pressure
Contraction of the radial muscle of the iris (dilates the pupil)
Contraction of the sphincters in the GI and urinary tracts

Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (α2)

Alpha-2 receptors (α2) are primarily located in presynaptic nerve terminals, platelets, and in the pancreas.

Functions:

Inhibition of norepinephrine release
Decreased insulin release
Platelet aggregation

Beta adrenergic receptors

Beta-1 adrenergic receptors (β1)

Beta-1 (β1) receptors are primarily located in the heart.

Functions:

Increase heart rate
Increase force of contraction
Increase AV node conduction

Beta-2 adrenergic receptors (β2)

Beta-2 (β2) receptors are primarily located in the smooth muscle of the lungs, blood vessels, liver, and skeletal muscle.

Functions:

Bronchodilation
Vasodilation
Increase muscle/liver glycogenolysis
Increase release of glucagon

Beta-3 adrenergic receptors (β3)

Beta-3 (β3) receptors are primarily located in adipose tissue and the bladder.

Their function is lipolysis and relaxation of the detrusor muscle of the bladder.

Medications to promote or counter effects

Alpha agonists

Alpha agonists promote the effect of α receptors. Examples:

Phenylephrine (α1) for nasal congestion and hypotension
Clonidine (α2) for hypertension

Nursing interventions include monitoring blood pressure and watching for signs of excessive vasoconstriction or vasodilation.

Alpha antagonists

Alpha antagonists counter the effect of α receptors. Examples:

Prazosin (α1) for hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia
Phentolamine (α1 and α2) for hypertensive emergencies

Nursing interventions include monitoring blood pressure and watching for signs of excessive vasoconstriction or vasodilation.

Beta agonists

Alpha agonists promote the effect of β receptors. Examples:

Isoproterenol for bradycardia and heart block
Dobutamine (β1) for heart failure
Albuterol (β2) for asthma and COPD

Nursing interventions include monitoring heart rate and blood pressure and assessing for hyperglycemia.

Beta antagonists

Alpha antagonists counter the effect of β receptors. Examples:

Propranolol for hypertension and arrhythmias
Metoprolol (β1) for hypertension and heart failure
Labetalol for hypertension and hypertensive emergencies

Nursing interventions include:

Monitoring heart rate and blood pressure (regularly check for bradycardia and hypotension)
Adjusting dosages based on therapeutic response and side effects like fatigue, dizziness, or heart block
Assessing for bronchoconstriction
Monitoring blood glucose levels

ARDS: Criteria and Phases

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