Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in liver plasma membranes of cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension: a quantitative study
- Author:
Youcheng ZHANG
1
;
Xisheng LENG
;
Jiye ZHU
;
Jirun PENG
;
Ruyu DU
Author Information
1. 北京医科大学附属人民医院
- From:
Chinese Medical Journal
1998;(6):507-509
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the changes of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in cirrhotic liver and the relationship between the changes and the pathogenesis of portal hypertension.Methods The concentration and affinity of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the liver plasma membranes of posthepatitic cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension were quantitatively measured using radioligand binding analysis. Results Compared with 8 controls without hepatic pathological changes, the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 9 posthepatitic cirrhotic patients decreased (129.1±12.0 vs 142.1±14.1 fmol/mg protein, P>0.05), dissociation constant (Kd) values increased (0.3945±0.0974 vs 0.2382±0.0548 nmol/L, P<0.01), and the receptor maximal content (RMC) decreased (417.4±76.8 vs 739.9±167.6 fmol/g liver, P<0.01). Conclusions The decreased concentration and affinity of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors may play an important role in the metabolic disturbances of catecholamines often seen in some cirrhotic patients, and have implications in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension.
