Biomaterial Database

Mechanisms involved in alpha-adrenergic effects of catecholamines on liver metabolism. 1979

J H Exton

Recent results have indicated that alpha-adrenergic receptors are the major mediators of catecholamine actions on liver metabolism in several species. It is well-established that cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase are not involved in hepatic alpha-adrenergic effects. This review presents evidence that alpha-adrenergic stimulation of glycogenolysis in rat liver involves the mobilization of Ca2+ ions from mitochondria and stimulation of phosphorylase kinase by the resulting increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Possible mechanisms by which activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors causes release of mitochondrial Ca2+ and affects other cell processes are discussed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008099	Liver	A large lobed glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates that is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, synthesis and storage of various substances.	Livers
D008112	Liver Glycogen	Glycogen stored in the liver. (Dorland, 28th ed)	Hepatic Glycogen,Glycogen, Hepatic,Glycogen, Liver
D011773	Pyruvates	Derivatives of PYRUVIC ACID, including its salts and esters.
D011941	Receptors, Adrenergic	Cell-surface proteins that bind epinephrine and/or norepinephrine with high affinity and trigger intracellular changes. The two major classes of adrenergic receptors, alpha and beta, were originally discriminated based on their cellular actions but now are distinguished by their relative affinity for characteristic synthetic ligands. Adrenergic receptors may also be classified according to the subtypes of G-proteins with which they bind; this scheme does not respect the alpha-beta distinction.	Adrenergic Receptors,Adrenoceptor,Adrenoceptors,Norepinephrine Receptor,Receptors, Epinephrine,Receptors, Norepinephrine,Adrenergic Receptor,Epinephrine Receptors,Norepinephrine Receptors,Receptor, Adrenergic,Receptor, Norepinephrine
D011942	Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha	One of the two major pharmacological subdivisions of adrenergic receptors that were originally defined by the relative potencies of various adrenergic compounds. The alpha receptors were initially described as excitatory receptors that post-junctionally stimulate SMOOTH MUSCLE contraction. However, further analysis has revealed a more complex picture involving several alpha receptor subtypes and their involvement in feedback regulation.	Adrenergic alpha-Receptor,Adrenergic alpha-Receptors,Receptors, alpha-Adrenergic,alpha-Adrenergic Receptor,alpha-Adrenergic Receptors,Receptor, Adrenergic, alpha,Adrenergic alpha Receptor,Adrenergic alpha Receptors,Receptor, alpha-Adrenergic,Receptors, alpha Adrenergic,alpha Adrenergic Receptor,alpha Adrenergic Receptors,alpha-Receptor, Adrenergic,alpha-Receptors, Adrenergic
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D002395	Catecholamines	A general class of ortho-dihydroxyphenylalkylamines derived from TYROSINE.	Catecholamine,Sympathin,Sympathins
D005943	Gluconeogenesis	Biosynthesis of GLUCOSE from nonhexose or non-carbohydrate precursors, such as LACTATE; PYRUVATE; ALANINE; and GLYCEROL.
D006005	Phosphorylases	A class of glucosyltransferases that catalyzes the degradation of storage polysaccharides, such as glucose polymers, by phosphorolysis in animals (GLYCOGEN PHOSPHORYLASE) and in plants (STARCH PHOSPHORYLASE).	Glucan Phosphorylase,Phosphorylase,alpha-Glucan Phosphorylases
D000242	Cyclic AMP	An adenine nucleotide containing one phosphate group which is esterified to both the 3'- and 5'-positions of the sugar moiety. It is a second messenger and a key intracellular regulator, functioning as a mediator of activity for a number of hormones, including epinephrine, glucagon, and ACTH.	Adenosine Cyclic 3',5'-Monophosphate,Adenosine Cyclic 3,5 Monophosphate,Adenosine Cyclic Monophosphate,Adenosine Cyclic-3',5'-Monophosphate,Cyclic AMP, (R)-Isomer,Cyclic AMP, Disodium Salt,Cyclic AMP, Monoammonium Salt,Cyclic AMP, Monopotassium Salt,Cyclic AMP, Monosodium Salt,Cyclic AMP, Sodium Salt,3',5'-Monophosphate, Adenosine Cyclic,AMP, Cyclic,Adenosine Cyclic 3',5' Monophosphate,Cyclic 3',5'-Monophosphate, Adenosine,Cyclic Monophosphate, Adenosine,Cyclic-3',5'-Monophosphate, Adenosine,Monophosphate, Adenosine Cyclic