Classification of β‐adrenoceptors in the microcirculation of skeletal muscle

Abstract

Nervous and humoral β‐adrenergic, postjunctional effects on microvascular resistance, on precapillary sphincter tone, and on transcapillary fluid exchange in cat skeletal muscle (Lundvall & Järhult 1974, 1976 a, Lundvall & Hillman 1978 a, b) were evaluated with regard to the β₁‐or β₂,‐specificity of the adrenoceptors. Marked β₂‐dilator responses but no significant β₁‐effects were observed. The conclusion was therefore reached that neurogenic as well as humoral β‐adrenergic control of the microcirculation in skeletal muscle is exerted via activation of β₂‐adrenoceptors.