Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
09:58
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 14, 2010
Anti-inflammatory agents and allergen-induced beta2-receptor dysfunction in isolated human bronchi
1Centro di Fisiopatologia Respiratoria, Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e Riabilitative, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Antigen challenge impairs beta2-adrenoceptor function in human airways. Nedocromil sodium and iralukast protected against this dysfunction, suggesting leukotrienes contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Antigen exposure can lead to beta2-adrenoceptor dysfunction in sensitized human bronchi.
- The potential for anti-inflammatory agents to prevent this dysfunction requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if anti-inflammatory drugs can prevent antigen-induced beta2-adrenoceptor dysfunction in human bronchi.
- To explore the role of peptido-leukotrienes in this allergic airway response.
Main Methods:
- Human bronchial rings were passively sensitized to house dust mite.
- Rings were challenged with allergen alone or with allergen plus indomethacin, nedocromil sodium, cetirizine, or iralukast.
- Beta2-adrenoceptor function was assessed by measuring salbutamol-induced relaxation after carbachol contraction.
Main Results:
- Allergen challenge alone significantly impaired salbutamol-induced relaxation, indicating beta2-adrenoceptor dysfunction.
- Nedocromil sodium and iralukast (at higher concentrations) significantly improved salbutamol-induced relaxation.
- Cetirizine and indomethacin did not significantly alter the response compared to allergen alone.
Conclusions:
- Peptido-leukotriene release appears to play a significant role in allergen-induced beta2-adrenoceptor dysfunction.
- Nedocromil sodium and iralukast demonstrate protective effects against this dysfunction.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for managing allergic airway inflammation.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers
β receptors are classified into three subclasses: β1, β2, and β3. β1 receptors are primarily located in the heart and kidneys. When they get activated, they increase heart rate, contractility, and renin release. This process enhances blood pressure and aids in stress management. In contrast, β2 receptors are situated mainly in the lungs, blood vessels, and skeletal muscles. Upon activation, they trigger smooth muscle relaxation, causing bronchodilation and vasodilation. This widens airways and...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...