Molecular mechanisms for the persistent bronchodilatory effect of the β2-adrenoceptor agonist salmeterol Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Background: ?2-adrenoceptor agonists are effective bronchodilators. In vitro studies demonstrated long-lasting airway smooth muscle relaxation by salmeterol after washout, the quick disappearance of this effect in presence of antagonists and its recovery after antagonist removal. Current explanations invoke salmeterol accumulation in the membrane ('diffusion microkinetic' model) or the existence of salmeterol-binding 'exosites'. An alternative ...