ABSTRACT
The cloning of the gene encoding the ß3-adrenoreceptor (ß3AR), rapidly followed by the delineation of its structural determinants in transfected cell lines, has opened a new avenue for our undertanding of the adrenergic regulation of a number of cells (Emorine et al., 1989, 1991; Piétri-Rouxel et al., 1995). The role and the regulation of the ß3AR have mainly been studied in white and brown fat cells, and in the gastrointestinal tract in various species, including humans. Other studies, based on ß3AR mRNA detection and/or functional studies with selective ß3AR agonists and antagonists have also revealed that its expression is probably not limited to these tissues (Arch and Kaumann, 1993). The majority of studies on the beta-adrenergic control of the cardiovascular system have focused on ß1-and ß3AR, and until now relatively little was known regarding ß3AR cardiovascular control.
