Mechanisms of beta-receptor stimulation-induced improvement of acute lung injury and pulmonary edema.
Acute lung injury (ALI) and the acute respiratory distress syndrome are complex syndromes because both inflammatory and coagulation cascades cause lung injury. Transport of salt and water, repair and remodeling of the lung, apoptosis, and necrosis are additional important mechanisms of injury. Alveolar edema is cleared by active transport of salt and water from the alveoli into the lung interstitium by complex cellular mechanisms. Beta-2 agonists act on the cellular mechanisms of pulmonary edema clearance as well as other pathways relevant to repair in ALI. Numerous studies suggest that the beneficial effects of beta-2 agonists in ALI include at least enhanced fluid clearance from the alveolar space, anti-inflammatory actions, and bronchodilation. The purposes of the present review are to consider the effects of beta agonists on three mechanisms of improvement of lung injury: edema clearance, anti-inflammatory effects, and bronchodilation. This update reviews specifically the evidence on the effects of beta-2 agonists in human ALI and in models of ALI. The available evidence suggests that beta-2 agonists may be efficacious therapy in ALI. Further randomized controlled trials of beta agonists in pulmonary edema and in acute lung injury are necessary.
Critical Care Research Laboratories, St Paul's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Horacio E
HE
Groshaus
Sanjay
S
Manocha
Keith R
KR
Walley
James A
JA
Russell
D000042:Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; D006801:Humans; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015222:Sodium Channels / Q000187:drug effects; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D015222:Sodium Channels