Muscarinic receptor antagonists: effects on pulmonary function.
In healthy lungs, muscarinic receptors control smooth muscle tone, mucus secretion, vasodilation, and inflammation. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, cholinergic mechanisms contribute to increased bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion that limit airflow. This chapter reviews neuronal and nonneuronal sources of acetylcholine in the lung and the expression and role of M₁, M₂, and M₃ muscarinic receptor subtypes in lung physiology. It also discusses the evidence for and against the role of parasympathetic nerves in asthma, and the current use and therapeutic potential of muscarinic receptor antagonists in COPD and asthma.
Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, UHN67, Portland, OR 97239, USA. buelsk@ohsu.edu
Kalmia S
KS
Buels
Allison D
AD
Fryer
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000294:innervation / Q000378:metabolism; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic; D000109:Acetylcholine