ABSTRACT
B2-selective adrenergic agonists Bind B-2 adrenergic receptors of airway smooth muscle cells — bronchodilation Onset of action based on specific agent COPD Anticholinergics Bind muscarinic receptors of smooth muscle cells in the airways — block smooth muscle contraction M3 receptor primarily responsible COPD/
Asthma Corticosteroids Down-regulate multiple
proinflammatory pathways
Asthma Leukotriene inhibitors Inhibit products of arachadonic acid that stimulate and constrict smooth muscle cells COPD Antimicrobial therapy Presumably targets the local infection due to inadequate clearance contributing to inflammation
Asthma Cromolyn sodium Inhibits specific chloride channels in mast cells and sensory neurons to reduce airway reactivity after exposure to inhaled irritants Asthma Omalizumab Recombinant DNA-derived monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to human
immunoglobulin IgE, preventing its binding to the receptor located on basophils and mast cells 8.2 Obstructive Lung Diseases
Advances in nanoparticle (NP) medicine seem particularly promising for these most common lung diseases, COPD and asthma. Both diseases’ underlying pathologies involve malfunctioning of pathways in the airway immune system and in the epithelial barrier. In order to understand the ways in which COPD and asthma compromise these systems, and how NP medicine might help to treat them, it is important to review how these systems work in healthy individuals.
