title: Review article: beta 3-adrenoceptor agonists--future anti-inflammatory drugs for the gastrointestinal tract?
abstract: The beta 3-adrenoceptor is now a recognized sub-type of beta-adrenoceptor and is the principle adrenoceptor responsible for lipolysis in rat adipocytes. The receptor is also found in the gastrointestinal tract where beta 3-adrenoceptor agonists are both spasmolytic and potent inhibitors of experimental non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric and small intestinal ulcers. There is evidence to suggest that the underlying mechanism of protection involves enhancement of mucosal blood flow, possibly as a result of relaxation of vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle. This review examines some possible therapeutic applications for beta 3-adrenoceptor agonists in ulcero-inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract where an altered blood flow state is a component of the underlying pathogenic process.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Histopathology, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anthony
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004064:Digestive System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D051381:Rats; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D022702:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D022702:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3