Changes in beta 2-adrenoceptor and other signaling proteins produced by chronic administration of 'beta-blockers' in a murine asthma model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We have previously reported that chronic treatment with certain 'beta-blockers' reduces airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine in a murine model of asthma.

Methods

Airway resistance was measured using the forced oscillation technique in ovalbulmin-sensitized and ovalbulmin-challenged mice treated with several beta-adrenoceptor (beta-AR) ligands. We used the selective beta 2-AR ligand ICI 118,551 and the preferential beta 1-AR ligand metoprolol to investigate the receptor subtype mediating the beneficial effect. Expression of beta-ARs was evaluated using immunofluorescence. We evaluated several signaling proteins by western blot using lung homogenates, and measured the relaxation of the isolated trachea produced by EP2 and IP receptor agonists.

Results

SUBMITTER: Lin R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2775056 | biostudies-literature | 2008

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature