beta-Adrenergic regulation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system

Incubation of rat cerebral cortical slices with the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol causes an increase in alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding in addition to a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor binding. The effects are rapid and reversible, show a parallel time course, and are blocked by sotalol, a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist. The beta-mediated regulation of alpha 2-receptor sensitivity at brain norepinephrine synapses may be a mechanism for the homeostatic control of central noradrenergic activity.