title: Beta-adrenergic receptor structure, synthesis, antibodies and human disease.
abstract: Lung beta 2-adrenergic receptors have been isolated using a covalent affinity label and monoclonal and autoantibodies with specificity toward the receptor. The beta 2-receptor monomer has a molecular mass of 58-64,000 daltons. Target size analysis indicates that the beta 2-receptor exists as a dimer in lung membranes. The half life of the beta 2-receptor on cultured lung cells is on the order of 20-30 h. Glucocorticoids induce the synthesis of beta 2-receptors, resulting in a doubling of the membrane concentration of receptors in 24 h. Autoantibodies to beta 2-adrenergic receptors may play a role in beta 2-receptor associated human diseases including asthma. Autoantibodies to beta 2-receptors in humans are associated with decreased sensitivity of beta 2-receptor functions and increased responsiveness of alpha-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D002417:Cattle; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000276:immunology; D004285:Dogs; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta