Classification and Function of Adrenoceptors

The classification of adrenoceptors is based primarily on investigations of the effects of various pharmacological agents on functional parameters. In principle, potency orders of agonists and inhibitory effects of specific antagonists have provided the basis for the classification of α and β and the further subclassification into α1/ α2 and β1/β2. During the last few years, direct receptor binding studies have been used for receptor characterization.