ALPHA-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does alpha-adrenergic receptor mean? 

• ALPHA-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR (noun)
  The noun ALPHA-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR has 1 sense:

1. receptors postulated to exist on nerve cell membranes of the sympathetic nervous system in order to explain the specificity of certain agents that affect only some sympathetic activities (such as vasoconstriction and relaxation of intestinal muscles and contraction of smooth muscles)

  Familiarity information: ALPHA-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ALPHA-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Receptors postulated to exist on nerve cell membranes of the sympathetic nervous system in order to explain the specificity of certain agents that affect only some sympathetic activities (such as vasoconstriction and relaxation of intestinal muscles and contraction of smooth muscles)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting body parts

Synonyms:

alpha-adrenergic receptor; alpha-adrenoceptor; alpha receptor

Hypernyms ("alpha-adrenergic receptor" is a kind of...):

receptor (a cellular structure that is postulated to exist in order to mediate between a chemical agent that acts on nervous tissue and the physiological response)

Holonyms ("alpha-adrenergic receptor" is a part of...):

sympathetic nervous system (originates in the thoracic regions of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the parasympathetic: reduces digestive secretions; speeds the heart; contracts blood vessels)

 Context examples 

Upon ocular administration, naphazoline hydrochloride exerts its effect by acting on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva to produce vasoconstriction, resulting in decreased conjunctival congestion and diminished itching, irritation and redness.

(Naphazoline Hydrochloride, NCI Thesaurus)

Upon ocular administration, naphazoline exerts its effect by acting on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the conjunctiva to produce vasoconstriction, resulting in decreased conjunctival congestion and diminished itching, irritation and redness.

(Naphazoline, NCI Thesaurus)

Stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors causes vasoconstriction of the radial smooth muscle of the iris, arteries, arterioles, veins, urinary bladder, and the sphincter of the gastrointestinal tract.

(l-Norepinephrine, NCI Thesaurus)

In addition, perphenazine binds to alpha-adrenergic receptors.

(Perphenazine, NCI Thesaurus)

Phenoxybenzamine non-selectively and irreversibly blocks the postsynaptic alpha-adrenergic receptor in smooth muscle, thereby preventing vasoconstriction, relieving vasospasms, and decreasing peripheral resistance.

(Phenoxybenzamine, NCI Thesaurus)

Phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine, direct-acting sympathicomimetic amines, activate alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa thereby causing vasoconstriction, reduces swelling of nasal mucous membranes and decreasing nasal and sinus congestion.

(Phenylephrine/Phenylpropanolamine/Guaifenesin, NCI Thesaurus)

Phenylephrine is a post-synaptic alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist that causes vasoconstriction, increases systolic/diastolic pressures, reflex bradycardia, and increases stroke output.

(Phenylephrine Bitartrate, NCI Thesaurus)

Phenylephrine is a post-synaptic alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist that causes vasoconstriction, increases systolic/diastolic pressures, reflex bradycardia, and stroke output.

(Phenylephrine, NCI Thesaurus)

Alpha-adrenergic receptors respond to blocking agents such as phenoxybenzamine and phentolamine.

(Alpha Adrenergic Receptor, NCI Thesaurus)

Ergotamine tartrate selectively binds to alpha-adrenergic receptors thereby stimulating vascular smooth muscle and causing vasoconstriction in both arteries and veins.

(Ergotamine Tartrate, NCI Thesaurus)