As heart failure (HF) is a devastating health problem worldwide, a better understanding and the development of more effective therapeutic approaches are required. HF is characterized by sympathetic system activation which stimulates α- and β-adrenoceptors (ARs). The exposure of the cardiovascular system to the increased locally released and circulating levels of catecholamines leads to a well-described downregulation and desensitization of β-ARs. However, information on the role of α-AR is limited. We have performed a systematic literature review examining the role of both cardiac and vascular α1-ARs in HF using 5 databases for our search. All three α1-AR subtypes (α1A, α1B and α1D) are expressed in human and animal hearts and blood vessels in a tissue-dependent manner. We summarize the changes observed in HF regarding the density, signaling and responses of α1-ARs. Conflicting findings arise from different studies concerning the influence that HF has on α1-AR expression and function; in contrast to β-ARs there is no consistent evidence for down-regulation or desensitization of cardiac or vascular α1-ARs. Whether α1-ARs are a therapeutic target in HF remains a matter of debate.

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doi.org/10.3390/cells9112412, hdl.handle.net/1765/133731
Cells
Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery

Kaykı-Mutlu, G., Papazisi, O., Palmen, M., Danser, J., Michel, M.C., & Arioglu-Inan, E. (2020). Cardiac and Vascular α1-Adrenoceptors in Congestive Heart Failure: A Systematic Review. Cells, 9(11). doi:10.3390/cells9112412