Abstract

In human and animal hypertension models, increased activity of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) 2 determines a generalized decrease of β-adrenergic vasodilatation. We analyzed the possibility of differential changes in the expression and functionality of α_1A, α_1B, α_1D, β₁, β₂, and β₃-ARs also being involved in the process. We combined the quantification of mRNA levels with immunoblotting and functional studies in aortas of young and adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and their controls (Wistar Kyoto). We found the expression and function of β₁-adrenoceptors in young prehypertensive SHRs to be higher, whereas a generalized increase in the expression of the six adrenoceptors and GRK2 was observed in aortas of adult hypertensive SHRs. α_1D- and β₃-Adrenoceptors, the subtypes that are more resistant to GRK2-mediated internalization and mostly expressed in rat aorta, exhibited an increased functional role in hypertensive animals, showing two hemodynamic consequences: 1) an increased sensitivity to the vasoconstrictor stimulus accompanied by a decreased sensitivity to the vasodilator stimulus (α_1D-ARs are the most sensitive to agonists, and β₃-ARs are the least sensitive to agonists); and 2) a slower recovery of the basal tone after adrenergic stimulus removal because of the kinetic characteristic of the α_1D subtype. These functional changes might be involved in the greater sympathetic vasoconstrictor tone observed in hypertension.