ALPHA-ADRENOCEPTOR BLOCKERS IN THE TREATMENT OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Alpha-adrenoceptors have been demonstrated within tissues in benign prostatic hyperplasia. In vitro experiments have shown a reduction in smooth muscle tone within prostate strips after addition of alpha-adrenoceptor blocking agents. A small but significant increase in maximal flow rate and improvement in symptoms have been reported in placebo-controlled trials of alpha-adrenoceptor blocking agents. The long-term efficacy of such agents is not yet known.