The Sound of Evolution
Tetrahydrozoline
Mechanism of action:
Tetrahydrozoline is an α-adrenergic agonist and an imidazoline derivative. Tetrahydrozoline acts on α₁ receptors located on vascular smooth muscle in the conjunctiva or nasal mucosa, activating the Gq protein signaling pathway, promoting IP₃ generation, increasing cytosolic calcium levels, and causing vascular smooth muscle contraction.
Reference(s):
1. Carr ME et al. (2011). Tetrahydrozoline (Visine(R)) concentrations in serum and urine during therapeutic ocular dosing: a necessary first step in determining an overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila).
2. Spiller H et al. (2008). Prolonged cardiovascular effects after unintentional ingestion of tetrahydrozoline. Clin Toxicol (Phila).
3. Stillwell ME et al. (2012). Use of tetrahydrozoline for chemical submission. Forensic Sci Int.