-adrenergic relaxation in pulmonary arteries: preservation of the endothelial nitric oxide-dependent 2 component in pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

beta1- and beta2-AR, but not beta3-AR, mediate relaxation of mice pulmonary arteries. The beta2-AR component is dependent on eNOS activity and is preserved following chronic hypoxia. These data highlight the role of the beta2-AR as a pharmacological target to induce/restore endothelial NO-dependent protective effects in pulmonary circulation.