Abstract
beta(2)-Adrenergic agonists are commonly used as bronchodilators to treat patients with COPD. In addition to prolonged bronchodilation, long-acting beta(2)-agonists (LABAs) exert other effects that may be of clinical relevance. These include inhibition of airway smooth-muscle cell proliferation and inflammatory mediator release, as well as nonsmooth-muscle effects, such as stimulation of mucociliary transport, cytoprotection of the respiratory mucosa, and attenuation of neutrophil recruitment and activation. This review details the possible alternative mechanisms of action of the LABAs, salmeterol and formoterol, in COPD.
MeSH terms
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists / pharmacology*
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use
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Albuterol / analogs & derivatives*
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Albuterol / pharmacology
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Albuterol / therapeutic use
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Bronchodilator Agents / pharmacology*
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Bronchodilator Agents / therapeutic use
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Ethanolamines / pharmacology
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Ethanolamines / therapeutic use
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Formoterol Fumarate
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Humans
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Lung Diseases, Obstructive / drug therapy
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Lung Diseases, Obstructive / physiopathology*
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Mucus / drug effects
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Mucus / metabolism
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Muscle, Smooth / drug effects
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Muscle, Smooth / pathology
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Muscle, Smooth / physiopathology
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Neutrophils / drug effects
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Neutrophils / physiology
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Respiratory System / drug effects
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Respiratory System / pathology
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Respiratory System / physiopathology
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Salmeterol Xinafoate
Substances
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists
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Bronchodilator Agents
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Ethanolamines
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Salmeterol Xinafoate
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Albuterol
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Formoterol Fumarate