The beta(2) adrenoreceptor is a large molecule of some 413 amino acids. The duration of stimulation of this receptor depends on where and for how long a beta(2) adrenergic drug attaches itself to the beta(2) adrenoreceptor. beta(2) adrenergic drugs have been used for over 5,000 years, but only recently have we had the advantage of adrenergic drugs specific to the beta(2) adrenoreceptor. The sho...

Inhaled β₂-adrenoceptor (β₂-AR) agonists are considered essential bronchodilator drugs in the treatment of bronchial asthma, both as symptoms-relievers and, in combination with inhaled corticosteroids, as disease-controllers. In this article, we first review the basic mechanisms by which the β₂-adrenergic system contributes to the control of airway smooth muscle tone. Then, we go on describing ...

beta(2)-Adrenoceptor agonists are the most effective bronchodilators currently available, and are used for symptom management in asthmatics. However, whether beta(2)-agonists are also antitussive is controversial. Identifying an antitussive role for beta(2)-agonists and dissecting the possible mechanism of action may help to explain the inconsistencies in the clinical literature and lead to the...

BACKGROUND Whilebeta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists (beta(2)-agonists) are widely used as bronchodilators in the treatment of asthma, there has been increasing concern that regular use of beta(2)-agonists may adversely affect the control of asthma. However, the molecular mechanisms of such undesirable effects of beta(2)-agonists are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the effects of beta...

Sustained stimulation of several G protein-coupled receptors is known to lead to a reduction in the signaling efficacy. This phenomenon, named agonist-induced desensitization, has been best studied for the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (AR) and is characterized by a decreased efficacy of beta-adrenergic agonists to stimulate the adenylyl cyclase activity. Recently, several beta-adrenergic ligands ...

The importance of beta-adrenergic signaling in the heart has been well documented, but it is only more recently that we have begun to understand the importance of this signaling pathway in skeletal muscle. There is considerable evidence regarding the stimulation of the beta-adrenergic system with beta-adrenoceptor agonists (beta-agonists). Although traditionally used for treating bronchospasm, ...

Asthma is a significant health problem worldwide with a prevalence that continues to rise and for which there is no cure. Animal models have been used for decades to investigate the cause and cures of asthma, and while they do not always mimic many of the facets of this syndrome, mechanistic animal studies are still nevertheless very useful. Animal studies with beta-agonists suggest much broade...