The Sound of Evolution
Prazosin
Mechanism of action:
Prazosin is a selective alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist. Under normal conditions, activation of the alpha1 receptor couples through Gq/11, increases IP3 and DAG, raises cytosolic calcium concentration, and activates protein kinase C, resulting in vascular smooth muscle contraction. By blocking this receptor, prazosin causes vascular smooth muscle relaxation and lowers peripheral vascular resistance.
Reference(s):
1. Bawaskar HS et al. (2007). Utility of scorpion antivenin vs prazosin in the management of severe Mesobuthus tamulus (Indian red scorpion) envenoming at rural setting. J Assoc Physicians India.
2. Cushman WC et al. (2002). Success and predictors of blood pressure control in diverse North American settings: the antihypertensive and lipid-lowering treatment to prevent heart attack trial (ALLHAT). J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).
3. Hiraoka Y et al. (2003). Pharmacological characterization of unique prazosin-binding sites in human kidney. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol.