title: Think the impossible: beta-blockers for treating asthma.
abstract: Asthma was originally thought to be associated with an intrinsic defect in beta2ADR (beta2-adrenoceptor) function, tipping the balance towards parasympathetic bronchoconstriction. Hence beta-blocking drugs (such as beta2ADR antagonists and inverse agonists) may cause acute bronchoconstriction which, in turn, may be attenuated by anti-cholinergic agents. Although beta2-agonists are highly effective for the acute relief of bronchoconstriction, their chronic use is accompanied by an adaptive reduction in beta2ADR numbers and associated desensitization of response, resulting in increased exacerbations and rare cases of death. The hypothesis examined in the present article is that, while single dosing with a beta-blocker may cause acute bronchoconstriction, chronic dosing may afford putative beneficial effects including attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness.
authors.affiliation: Asthma and Allergy Research Group, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD3 0QW, Scotland, UK. brianlipworth@gmail.com
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Lipworth
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Williamson
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents