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Which receptor mediates constriction of arteriolar smooth muscle?

(A) α₁ Receptors
(B) β₁ Receptors
(C) β₂ Receptors
(D) Muscarinic receptors

User Adolphus
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Final answer:

The α₁ Receptor is responsible for the constriction of arteriolar smooth muscle, activating a signaling pathway that increases intracellular calcium and causes muscle contraction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The receptor that mediates constriction of arteriolar smooth muscle is the α₁ Receptor. This type of receptor, upon activation, stimulates a G protein-coupled signaling pathway involving Gq, which leads to an increase in intracellular calcium levels. This cascade results in the contraction of smooth muscle fibers, thus causing vasoconstriction. The α₁ Receptor is distinctively known for this function in various blood vessels, including those in the skin, gastrointestinal system, kidney, and brain. Unlike α₁, α₂ receptors couple to Gi, reducing cAMP activity, and β receptors couple to Gs, commonly leading to smooth muscle relaxation rather than contraction.

The receptor that mediates constriction of arteriolar smooth muscle is the α₁ receptor. The α₁ receptor is an adrenergic receptor that is activated by adrenaline or noradrenaline. When the α₁ receptor is activated, it causes smooth muscle contraction, leading to constriction of arterioles.

User Lee Kowalkowski
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