The Sound of Evolution
Formoterol
Mechanism of action:
Formoterol is a long-acting β₂-adrenergic agonist. Formoterol binds to β₂-adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle and activates adenylyl cyclase through the Gs protein, leading to increased cAMP levels. This causes airway smooth muscle relaxation, increases airway diameter, and reduces airflow resistance.
Reference(s):
1. Bartow RA et al. (1998). Formoterol. An update of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in the management of asthma. Drugs.
2. Zhang M et al. (2002). Stereoselective urinary excretion of formoterol and its glucuronide conjugate in human. Br J Clin Pharmacol.
3. Somers GI et al. (2007). A comparison of the expression and metabolizing activities of phase I and II enzymes in freshly isolated human lung parenchymal cells and cryopreserved human hepatocytes. Drug Metab Dispos.