Asthma was originally thought to be associated with an intrinsic defect in β2ADR (β2-adrenoceptor) function, tipping the balance towards parasympathetic bronchoconstriction. Hence β-blocking drugs (such as β2ADR antagonists and inverse agonists) may cause acute bronchoconstriction which, in turn, may be attenuated by anti-cholinergic agents. Although β2-agonists are highly effective for the acute relief of bronchoconstriction, their chronic use is accompanied by an adaptive reduction in β2ADR 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 β-blocker may cause acute bronchoconstriction, chronic dosing may afford putative beneficial effects including attenuated airway hyper-responsiveness.
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January 15 2010
Think the impossible: β-blockers for treating asthma
Brian J. LIPWORTH;
Brian J. LIPWORTH
1Asthma and Allergy Research Group, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD3 0QW, Scotland, U.K.
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Peter A. WILLIAMSON
Peter A. WILLIAMSON
1Asthma and Allergy Research Group, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD3 0QW, Scotland, U.K.
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
July 24 2009
Revision Received:
August 18 2009
Accepted:
August 24 2009
Online ISSN: 1470-8736
Print ISSN: 0143-5221
The Biochemical Society, London
2010
Clin Sci (Lond) (2010) 118 (2): 115–120.
Article history
Received:
July 24 2009
Revision Received:
August 18 2009
Accepted:
August 24 2009
Citation
Brian J. LIPWORTH, Peter A. WILLIAMSON; Think the impossible: β-blockers for treating asthma. Clin Sci (Lond) 15 January 2010; 118 (2): 115–120. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20090398
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