Differences in the ability of salbutamol to prevent and reverse LTC4-induced contractions of the guinea-pig isolated trachea: Influence of l-serine borate

Abstract In the presence of l-serine borate, salbutamol was much more effective in reversing rather than preventing LTC 4 -induced contractions of guinea-pig trachea. This suggests that different mechanisms are involved in initiating versus maintaining LTC 4 -induced contractions. In addition, the ability of salbutamol pretreatment to prevent LTC 4 -induced contractions was reduced substantially in the presence of l-serine borate, suggesting that the metabolites of LTC 4 (LTD 4 and LTE 4 ) are more sensitive to inhibition by β-adrenoceptor agonists than is LTC 4 itself.