Muscarinic receptor antagonists: effects on pulmonary function

Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2012:(208):317-41. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-23274-9_14.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Asthma / drug therapy
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Bronchodilator Agents / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Lung / blood supply
  • Lung / drug effects*
  • Lung / innervation
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System / drug effects*
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System / metabolism
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / drug therapy
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / metabolism
  • Receptors, Muscarinic / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Muscarinic / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Muscarinic Antagonists
  • Receptors, Muscarinic
  • Acetylcholine