Salbutamol, also known as albuterol and sold under the brand name Ventolin, is a medication that opens up the medium and large airways in the lungs. It is a short-acting β2 adrenergic receptor agonist which works by causing relaxation of airway smooth muscle. It is used to treat asthma, including asthma attacks, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). See also [1].

The β2 adrenergic receptor is found in smooth muscles throughout the body, especially in the lungs. It normally binds adrenaline, resulting in dialation of the bronchioles, which leads to increased oxygen intake. Salbutamol is an agonist, meaning it binds in the same place as adrenaline and stimulates the same response.

The β2 adrenergic receptor has seven alpha helices that cross the cell membrane. When shown in a

(2y04).



. The phenyl ring of the salbutamol is sandwiched by , while the N and O in salbutamol form with nearby asparagine (Asn) and aspartate (Asp) residues.


Salbutamol

Drag the structure with the mouse to rotate

ReferencesReferences

Proteopedia Page Contributors and Editors (what is this?)Proteopedia Page Contributors and Editors (what is this?)

Alexander Berchansky, Michal Harel, Ann Taylor