Alpha receptors 1 & 2

[miamiheatrn, BSN]

Hi guys, Im having trouble understanding alpha 1 and 2 receptors and their functions. As well as medications that stimulate or block them? Can anyone please sum them up for me? I understand we have alpha 1 receptors in our arterioles , veins, and eyes. And alpha 2 in GI, and veins as well. But what I am having trouble understanding is the changes that occur when we use alpha agonist vs. alpha antagonist and their effect.

[Zyprexa_Ho]

First you need to find out what chemicals normally stimulate these receptors in the human body, and what that stimulation results in. Agonists are going to do the same thing that these naturally present stimulatory chemicals will do. Antagonists will do the opposite.