One of the two main types of adrenergic receptor, activation of which causes contraction of smooth muscle in blood vessels and certain other organs, resulting especially in vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.
Origin
1940s.
Definition of alpha receptor in US English:
alpha receptor
noun
One of the two main types of adrenergic receptor, activation of which causes contraction of smooth muscle in blood vessels and certain other organs, resulting especially in vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.