alpha receptor

alpha receptor

[¦al·fə ri¦sep·tər]

(cell and molecular biology)

Any of a group of receptors on cell membranes that are thought to be associated with vasoconstriction, relaxation of intestinal muscle, and contraction of the nictitating membrane, iris dilator muscle, smooth muscle of the spleen, and muscular layer of the uterine wall. Also called alpha-adrenergic receptor.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.