摘要 |
<p>The invention is based on the finding that the secretin receptor is expressed in tissues present in the distal lung of humans. In patient with asthma, levels of the receptor are elevated compared to normal tissue. Treatment of tissue by secretin stimulates the movement of negative ions in the tissue. Addition of secretin to human bronchial tissue in vitro stimulates bronchorelaxation. The invention provides methods of treatment of asthma in a patient by administering to said patient an effective amount of an agent which triggers anion efflux and bronchorelaxation in respiratory tissue via the activation of a secretin receptor.</p> |