α(1)-Adrenoceptors in the urinary tract.

α(1)-Adrenoceptors have been identified and characterized extensively by functional, radioligand-binding, and molecular biological techniques. Molecular clones have been isolated for three α(1)-subtypes (α(1a), α(1b), and α(1d)), and these subtypes are also functionally characterized. α(1)-Adrenoceptors are present in the prostate, urethra, bladder (urothelium, smooth muscle, and afferent nerves), ureter, vas deferens, peripheral ganglia, nerve terminals, vascular tissues, and central nervous system (CNS), and they could all potentially influence overall urinary function and contribute to both the therapeutic and adverse effects of α(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This review aimed to discuss the relevant physiological and pharmacological roles and molecular biology of α(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes in the prostate, urethra, bladder, ureter, and CNS.