title: Adrenoceptors in airway smooth muscle.
abstract: This review examines the roles and functional significance of alpha and beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in airway smooth muscle, with emphasis on human airway function and the influence of asthma. Specifically, we have examined the distribution of beta-adrenoceptors in lung and the influence of age, the epithelium, respiratory viruses and inflammation associated with asthma on airway smooth muscle beta-adrenoceptor function. Sites of action, beta 2-selectivity, efficacy and tolerance are also examined in relation to the use of beta 2-agonists in man. In addition, alpha-adrenoceptor function in airway smooth muscle has been reviewed, with some emphasis on comparing observations made in airway smooth muscle with those in animal models.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Nedlands.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Goldie
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Lulich
mesh_terms: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014132:Trachea / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta