ALPHA-ADRENERGIC AND BETA-ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS IN HYPERTENSION

Long-term studies on hemodynamics of untreated hypertensives have shown that an initial high cardiac output usually disappears over a 5- to 10 year period and the total peripheral resistance increases instead. Alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors seem to play an important role as cause of these changes in hemodynamics. Angiotensin II and the myogenetic reactivity can cause an enhancement of the peripheral resistance which is already increased by an alpha-adrenergic activity. Based on this findings, it is possible to develope a differential therapy with blocker, alpha-blocker, ACE-inhibitor and Ca-antagonist.