[Pharmacology of the venous system].

The presence of alpha 1-receptors has been demonstrated in numerous venous fragments for various animal models. On the other hand, the presence of alpha 2-receptors in the saphenous of the dog is a matter of debate. Beta 2-receptors are activated by isoproterenol, noradrenaline and adrenaline in precontracted veins (part of the facial vein of the rabbit may be an exception). Preferential blocking by atenolol of beta 1-receptors in the jugular veins of the rat suggests that these receptors may mediate vasodilation. The saphenous veins of the dog provide the only example where specific dopaminergic receptors have been noted following partial antagonism with haloperidol. The vasoconstrictive action of acetylcholine has been seen in venous segments of numerous species and indicates the presence of muscarinic receptors. The existence of angiotensin receptors can be postulated despite the weak and inconstant in vitro and in vivo (the dorsal cerebral sinus in the dog excepted) reactions observed and the use of a non-specific antagonist. The same is true for bradykinin and vasopressin. The marked vasoconstrictive action of serotonin on all veins studied is evidence for the presence of receptors. The nature of the antagonists is subject to some divergence of opinion. Nevertheless, D tryptamine muscular receptors (or 5 HT2) can be identified due to the lack of morphine-mediated response and the efficacy of methysergide. The presence of a third type of serotoninergic receptor has only been reported once, following observations of vasodilation in the sheep. H1 receptors are involved in histamine-mediated vasoconstriction. The presence of H2 receptors which mediate vasodilation in precontracted veins remains hypothetical. Prostaglandins exhibit different efficacies in producing contraction in isolated veins; PGF2 alpha is more efficacious than PGE1 and PGE2. Prostacyclin induces contraction of human saphenous veins in a dose-dependent manner. PGE2 and particularly PGE1 can induce relaxation in precontracted veins, as is also true for prostacyclin. Receptors for these prostaglandins must exist at the post-junctional level. P2-receptors mediate transmission of the vasoconstrictive action of various purine derivatives.