β1-Adrenergic Receptor

The β1-adrenergic receptor is a type of G protein-coupled receptor that primarily responds to the catecholamines norepinephrine and epinephrine. It is predominantly found in the heart, where it plays a critical role in regulating cardiac function. Activation of the β1-adrenergic receptor increases heart rate (positive chronotropic effect) and contractility (positive inotropic effect), thereby enhancing cardiac output. This receptor is crucial for the physiological responses to stress and is involved in the body's fight-or-flight response. It is also a target for various cardiovascular drugs, such as beta-blockers, which are used to manage conditions like hypertension and heart failure by inhibiting the receptor's activity. The β1-adrenergic receptor is part of the larger adrenergic receptor family, which includes various subtypes (β2, β3, etc.) that have distinct functions and tissue distributions.