title: The long-acting beta2-agonist salmeterol xinafoate: effects on airway inflammation in asthma.
abstract: Salmeterol xinafoate is an inhaled long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonist recently introduced for the treatment of asthma. Both in vitro and animal studies suggest that it may have anti-inflammatory activities of benefit in this disease. To assess this directly, the effects of 6 weeks' treatment with salmeterol on indices of clinical activity, airway dysfunction and inflammation in subjects with stable atopic asthma were investigated. In a double blind study, asthmatic patients were randomized to 6 weeks' treatment with either salmeterol 50 microg twice daily (n=14) or placebo (n=12). They underwent bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchial biopsy immediately before starting treatment and again after 6 weeks. Treatment with salmeterol improved clinical indices of asthma activity, but there were no changes in BAL differential cell counts or mediator levels, and no change in T-cell numbers or activation status. In the biopsy specimens there were no changes in numbers of inflammatory cells, sub-basement membrane collagen deposition or mast cell degranulation. Regular treatment with salmeterol improves clinical indices of asthma but has no effect on the underlying inflammatory process. These findings strengthen guideline recommendations that long-acting beta2-agonists should not be prescribed as sole antiasthma medication.
authors.affiliation: University Medicine, University of Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bradding
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Britten
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Walls
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gratziou
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Holgate
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Howarth
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000276:immunology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D000420:Albuterol