Different β-adrenoceptor subtypes coupling to cAMP or NO/cGMP pathways: implications in the relaxant response of rat conductance and resistance vessels

Background and Purpose To analyse the relative contribution of β1-, β2- and β3-adrenoceptors (Adrb) to vasodilatation in conductance and resistance vessels, assessing the role of cAMP and/or NO/cGMP signalling pathways. Experimental Approach Rat mesenteric resistance artery (MRA) and aorta were used to analyse the Adrb expression by real-time-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and for the pharmacological characterization of Adrb-mediated activity by wire myography and tissue nucleotide accumulation. Key Results The mRNAs and protein for all Adrb were identified in endothelium and/or smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in both vessels. In MRA, Adrb1 signalled through cAMP, Adrb3 through both cAMP and cGMP…