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Adrenoceptors: Molecular Nature and Role in Atopic Diseases
Author(s) -
Djurup René
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.1981.tb01581.x
Subject(s) - asthma , adrenergic receptor , allergy , receptor , medicine , radioligand , alpha (finance) , pathogenesis , immunology , stimulation , endocrinology , construct validity , nursing , patient satisfaction
Since Szentivanyi proposed the idea that asthma and other atopic diseases are due to a p adrenergic defect there has been much interest in the role of the adrenergic receptors in allergy. The radioactive ligand binding techniques developed within the last few years have greatly increased our knowledge concerning the molecular nature of the adrenoceptors and the events following receptor stimulation. The adrenoceptors have shown to be very dynamic structures. Their number and affinity may be altered due to various physiological and pharmacological stimuli. Their role in the pathogenesis of atopic diseases has not been definitely settled, but there seem to be a true beta adrenergic hyporesponsiveness and alpha hyperresponsiveness in asthma. This article briefly describes the radioligand binding technique and summarizes our present knowledge of the nature of the alpha and beta adrenoceptors and their possible role in atopic diseases.