title: The evolution of beta-agonists.
abstract: Inhaled beta-agonists have become the mainstay of bronchodilator therapy for reactive airway diseases, either alone or in conjunction with other medications. The history of the development of beta-agonists is a fascinating one that spans more than 5000 years. Scientific investigation for the past several hundred years has elucidated the physiology of bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation. In the past decade, a wealth of knowledge has come forth since the discovery of the beta-adrenoceptor which, along with advances in pharmacology, have helped answer the questions of how beta-agonists work. From these advancements, three classes of beta-agonists have been developed: catecholamines, resorcinols, and saligenins. The chemical structures of the more commonly used agents in each class, their interaction with the beta-adrenoceptor, and their beneficial and adverse effects are discussed. Review of the duration of action of these agents may suggest a new way of classifying them into ultrashort-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Medical Intensive Care Unit and Respiratory Therapy Department, Grady Memorial, Georgia State University, Atlanta 30303-3083, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aranson
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rau
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000145:classification / Q000266:history / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000336:Aerosols; D001592:Benzyl Alcohols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000266:history / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012118:Resorcinols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000336:Aerosols; D001592:Benzyl Alcohols; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D002395:Catecholamines; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D012118:Resorcinols; C010631:salicyl alcohol