β3-Adrenoceptors in the cardiovascular system

beta -Adrenoceptors of the beta (1) and beta (2) subtypes classically mediate the effects of catecholamines on the contractility of cardiac muscle and the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, Since the molecular characterization of the beta (3)-adrenoceptor in 1989, most studies of this adrenoceptor subtype have focused on its control of lipolysis in adipose tissues. However, more recent studies have investigated the involvement of beta (3)-adrenoceptors in the physiological control of cardiac and vascular contractility, In this article, the pharmacological and molecular evidence that supports the functional role of beta (3)-adrenoceptors in cardiovascular tissues of various species, including humans, will be discussed. These data might provide new insights into our understanding of the abnormal responsiveness of the cardiovascular system to catecholamines in heart failure and its treatment with beta -adrenoceptor antagonists.