RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 How Can 1 + 1 = 3? β2-Adrenergic and Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonist Synergism in Obstructive Airway Diseases JF Molecular Pharmacology JO Mol Pharmacol FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics SP 955 OP 958 DO 10.1124/mol.111.075481 VO 80 IS 6 A1 Martina Schmidt A1 Martin C. Michel YR 2011 UL http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/80/6/955.abstract AB For a long time it was believed that β2-adrenergic receptor agonists used in the treatment of obstructive airway diseases worked primarily on airway smooth muscle cells, causing relaxation, whereas glucocorticoids primarily improved airway function via their anti-inflammatory action, indicating that their clinical synergism occurred at the organism rather than the cellular level. However, it is now becoming clear that both drug classes can affect airway function at multiple levels, including an integrated effect on several cell types. This article summarizes data on the molecular interaction between the two receptor systems, particularly with relevance to phenomena of β2-adrenergic receptor desensitization and glucocorticoid insensitivity in the airways. These molecular interactions may contribute to the observed clinical synergism between both drug classes in the treatment of obstructive airway diseases.