In septic shock, which of the following receptors should be stimulated to increase systemic vascular resistance?

• A. β-Adrenoreceptors
• B. α-Adrenoreceptors
• C. Dopamine receptors
• D. Muscarinic receptors

Answer: (B)

In the context of septic shock, stimulating alpha-adrenoreceptors is crucial for increasing systemic vascular resistance. Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, when activated, cause vasoconstriction of blood vessels. This action counteracts the vasodilatory effects often seen in septic shock, where systemic vascular resistance is reduced due to widespread inflammatory responses and vascular permeability changes.

By stimulating these receptors, the body can restore blood pressure and improve perfusion to vital organs in a state of hypotension associated with septic shock. This becomes particularly important when fluid resuscitation is insufficient to maintain adequate blood pressure.

Other receptors, such as beta-adrenoreceptors, have different effects primarily related to heart rate and myocardial contractility rather than directly affecting systemic vascular resistance. Dopamine receptors, when stimulated at lower doses, can result in vasodilation rather than vasoconstriction, while muscarinic receptors are part of the parasympathetic nervous system and generally promote vasodilation and decrease heart rate. Thus, alpha-adrenoreceptor stimulation is the key mechanism for addressing the vascular issues in septic shock.