Structure et fonction du récepteur ß-3 adrénergique

Abstract

Long-term treatment of obese animals with lipolytic selective agents induces weight loss and restores insulin sensitivity. Such effects appear to be mediated by a novel catecholamine receptor - the beta 3-adrenergic receptor - which has recently been characterized in adipose tissues and in the digestive tract. Although the above compounds are much less efficient in man than in rodents, modelling of the three dimensional structure of the beta-adrenergic receptors may allow to design new drugs more active and selective for this receptor subtype. By their actions on adipose tissues and intestinal beta 3-adrenergic receptors, these drugs may help treating some forms of obesity and diabetes, or preventing their development.