Common structural requirements for heptahelical domain function in class A and class C G protein-coupled receptors.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key players in cell communication. Several classes of such receptors have been identified. Although all GPCRs possess a heptahelical domain directly activating G proteins, important structural and sequence differences within receptors from different classes suggested distinct activation mechanisms.

Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of formoterol in healthy volunteers after a single high dose of Foradil dry powder inhalation via Aerolizer.

Objective: The pharmacokinetics of the long-acting beta2-agonist formoterol fumarate, which is a racemate of the (S,S)- and (R,R)-enantiomers were evaluated in 12 healthy (eight male, four female) volunteers after a single inhaled high dose of 120 microg of formoterol fumarate. The tolerability and safety were also assessed.

Methods: Each volunteer inhaled the single 120-microg dose through the Aerolizer device within 2-5 min, using ten 12-microg dry powder capsules for inhalation.