Localization of Messenger RNA for Three Distinct α2-Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes in Human Tissues

Abstract

(1) On comparison with previous research we find possible species heterogeneity in alpha 2AR subtype mRNA distribution (rat vs. human) for all three alpha 2AR subtypes. (2) We demonstrate the presence and subtype heterogeneity of alpha 2AR subtype mRNA in both brain and peripheral tissues. (3) Significant concentrations of alpha 2AR mRNA are present in adult human heart. These findings have important implications for our understanding of human adrenergic physiology, provide a possible explanation for the existence of pharmacologically similar yet distinct alpha 2AR subtypes, and may be important for the rational development of alpha 2AR subtype-selective anesthetics and other therapeutic agents for use in treating human diseases.