Mechanisms involved in alpha-adrenergic effects of catecholamines on liver metabolism.

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • review article
    • Vol. 5  (4) , 277-87
Abstract
Recent results have indicated that alpha-adrenergic receptors are the major mediators of catecholamine actions on liver metabolism in several species. It is well-established that cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase are not involved in hepatic alpha-adrenergic effects. This review presents evidence that alpha-adrenergic stimulation of glycogenolysis in rat liver involves the mobilization of Ca2+ ions from mitochondria and stimulation of phosphorylase kinase by the resulting increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Possible mechanisms by which activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors causes release of mitochondrial Ca2+ and affects other cell processes are discussed.

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