The Mode of Action of Anticholinergics in Asthma

Overview

Journal Eur Respir J

Specialty Pulmonary Medicine

Date 2018 Aug 18

PMID 30115613

Citations 38

Authors

Reinoud Gosens

Nicholas Gross

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Acetylcholine binds to muscarinic receptors to play a key role in the pathophysiology of asthma, leading to bronchoconstriction, increased mucus secretion, inflammation and airway remodelling. Anticholinergics are muscarinic receptor antagonists that are used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Recent and data have increased our understanding of how acetylcholine contributes to the disease manifestations of asthma, as well as elucidating the mechanism of action of anticholinergics. This review assesses the latest literature on acetylcholine in asthma pathophysiology, with a closer look at its role in airway inflammation and remodelling. New insights into the mechanism of action of anticholinergics, their effects on airway remodelling, and a review of the efficacy and safety of long-acting anticholinergics in asthma treatment will also be covered, including a summary of the latest clinical trial data.

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