Polymorphism of the beta2-adrenoceptor and the response to long-term beta2-agonist therapy in asthma.

Polymorphisms affecting amino acids 16 and 27 of the beta2-adrenoceptor alter receptor regulation in vitro. Whether these polymorphisms alter the response to beta2-agonist therapy in asthma is unknown. In a previous study of 64 asthmatics, most experienced a deterioration in asthma control during regular inhaled beta2-agonist (fenoterol) treatment, while a minority improved. We have determined the beta2-adrenoceptor genotypes in these subjects, …