What are Alpha Receptors?
Alpha receptors are the adrenergic receptors that come from class G protein-coupled receptors, which are quickly responsive to a body’s neurotransmitter and help control vasoconstriction, intestinal relaxation, and other physiologic processes.
Receptors are located at the postsynaptic area of our body’s sympathetic neuroeffector junctions. Alpha receptors are further subdivided into Alpha I and alpha II receptors.
Alpha receptors play a very important role in our body, Alpha receptors vitalize the effector cells, contract vessels of our skin, and skeletal muscles. Besides that, Alpha receptor cells are responsible for blood vessel contraction and help control blood pressure levels in our body.
Alpha receptors are also responsible for gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis in our bodies. Correspondingly, it also controls any options of the gastrointestinal system. It also helps in synchronizing uterine contraction in pregnant women.
Alpha receptors are further subdivided into Alpha I receptors and alpha II receptors. Alpha 1 receptors are subdivided into two additional units. Which are Alpha 1 agonists and Alpha 1 Blockers. Alpha 1 receptors are used in the treatment of heart failure, shock, decompensation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Alpha 2 receptors are used for treating post-traumatic stress disorders. Alpha 2 receptors in the brain stem control the sympathetic activity and help in controlling blood pressure, it comprises the clonidine and guanfacine that are used as antihypertensives. Alpha 2 receptors are divided into two types and are called Alpha 2 agonists and Alpha 2 blockers.
What are Beta Receptors?
Beta receptors are also known as adrenergic receptors located at the surface of cells. Particularly, It is located in smooth involuntary muscles, including the heart, uterus, blood vessels, and adipose tissue.
The Beta-receptor helps in controlling effector cells and is involved in the dilation of blood vessels and also helps in maintaining heart rate, blood pressure, and bronchial relaxation.
Beta Receptors are further divided into three units.
- Beta 1, Receptors: Beta 1 Receptors are detected in the heart. When Beta 1 Receptors are revitalized, it increases the heart rate and the strength of heart contraction.
- Beta 2, Receptors: Beta 2 Receptors cells are located in the lungs’ bronchioles and the arteries of the skeletal muscles. It helps manage bronchospasm in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
- Beta 3, Receptors: Beta 3 Receptors are seen in the urinary bladder, gallbladder, and also on the surfaces of both white and brown adipocytes, and help in the relaxation of intestinal smooth muscles and also in the thermogenesis process.
Difference Between Alpha Receptors and Beta Receptors
- Alpha Receptors come from G protein receptors that help control vasoconstriction, intestinal relaxation, and other psychological processes. Beta Receptors are adrenergic receptors that help control increased blood pressure, heart rate, and bronchial relaxation.
- Alpha Receptors are located beneath the smooth muscle and effector tissue where Beta Receptors are located beneath the uterine muscle and cardiac muscle.
- Alpha Receptors rejuvenate effector cells. On the other hand, Beta Receptors control the effector cells.
- Alpha Receptors are responsible for blood vessel contraction in our body. Whereas, Beta Receptors are involved in the dilation of blood vessels.
- Alpha Receptors are further divided as Alpha I and Alpha II receptors however Beta Receptors are subdivided into Beta I, Beta II, and Beta III Receptors.
Comparison Between Alpha Receptors and Beta Receptors
| Parameters Of Comparison | Alpha Receptors | Beta Receptors |
| Definition | Alpha Receptors come from G protein receptors that help control vasoconstriction, intestinal relaxation, and other psychological processes. | Beta Receptors are adrenergic receptors it helps in controlling increased blood pressure, heart rate, and bronchial relaxation. |
| Activity | Alpha Receptors rejuvenate effector cells. | Beta Receptors control the effector cells. |
| Function | Alpha Receptors are responsible for blood vessel contraction in our body. | Beta Receptors are involved in the dilation of blood vessels. |
| Location | Alpha Receptors are located beneath the smooth muscle and effector tissue. | Beta Receptors are located beneath the uterine muscle and cardiac muscle. |
| Type | Alpha Receptors are further divided as Alpha I and Alpha II receptors. | Beta Receptors are subdivided into Beta I, Beta II, and Beta III Receptors. |