Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2012:(208):317-41.
doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-23274-9_14.

Muscarinic receptor antagonists: effects on pulmonary function

Kalmia S Buels  1 , Allison D Fryer
Affiliations
Review

Muscarinic receptor antagonists: effects on pulmonary function

Kalmia S Buels et al. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2012.

Abstract

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.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. Adamko DJ, Yost BL, Gleich GJ, Fryer AD, Jacoby DB. Ovalbumin sensitization changes the inflammatory response to subsequent parainfluenza infection. Eosinophils mediate airway hyperresponsiveness, m(2) muscarinic receptor dysfunction, and antiviral effects. J Exp Med. 1999;190:1465–1478. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Anthonisen NR, Connett JE, Kiley JP, Altose MD, Bailey WC, Buist AS, Conway WA, Jr, Enright PL, Kanner RE, O’Hara P, et al. Effects of smoking intervention and the use of an inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilator on the rate of decline of FEV1. The Lung Health Study. JAMA. 1994;272:1497–1505. - PubMed
    1. Aquilina AT, Hall WJ, Douglas RG, Jr, Utell MJ. Airway reactivity in subjects with viral upper respiratory tract infections: the effects of exercise and cold air. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1980;122:3–10. - PubMed
    1. Ayala LE, Ahmed T. Is there loss of protective muscarinic receptor mechanism in asthma? Chest. 1989;96:1285–1291. - PubMed
    1. Bai TR. Abnormalities in airway smooth muscle in fatal asthma. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1990;141:552–557. - PubMed

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources