Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (Hcar2)

Referred to as a high affinity receptor for both nicotinic acid (also called niacin) and (D)-beta-hydroxybutyrate and mediates increased adiponectin secretion and decreased lipolysis via G(I)-protein-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. This pharmacological effect demands nicotinic acid doses that are much greater than those provided by a standard diet.

Mediates nicotinic acid-induced apoptosis in mature neutrophils. Receptor activation by nicotinic acid results in reduced cAMP levels which might affect activity of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and phosphorylation of target proteins, leading to neutrophil apoptosis.