Alpha and beta receptors in the bronchial artery

Abstract

This communication reports the study of the bronchial arterial response to α and β receptor stimulation and blockades, by means of a constant flow autoperfusion of the bronchial artery in the dog. The authors show that both α and β receptors occur in the bronchial artery. The same extent of inhibition of the arterenol pressor response by α blockade and of reversal of the isoproterenol depressor response by β blockade show that α receptor activity in the bronchial and femoral arteries are apparently similar. However, the significant potentiation of isoproterenol depressor response in the bronchial artery after β blockade, which is not observed in the femoral artery, suggests that β receptor activity may predominate in the bronchial artery.