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Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists: Effects on Pulmonary Function

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Muscarinic Receptors

Part of the book series: Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology ((HEP,volume 208))

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.

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Abbreviations

ChAT:

Choline acetyltransferase

COPD:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

FEV1 :

Forced expiratory volume in 1 s

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  1. Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, UHN67, Portland, OR, 97239, USA

    Kalmia S. Buels & Allison D. Fryer

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  1. Kalmia S. Buels
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  2. Allison D. Fryer
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  1. UHN67, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Ca, Oregon Health & Science University, SW Sam Jackson Park Road 3181, Portland, 97239, Oregon, USA

    Allison D. Fryer

  2. , Department of Pharmacology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Scien, Royal Parade 381, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia

    Arthur Christopoulos

  3. , Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195-7750, Washington, USA

    Neil M. Nathanson

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Buels, K.S., Fryer, A.D. (2012). Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists: Effects on Pulmonary Function. In: Fryer, A., Christopoulos, A., Nathanson, N. (eds) Muscarinic Receptors. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol 208. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-23274-9_14

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