Fenoterol inhibits superoxide anion generation by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes via beta-adrenoceptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Background: Beta2-adrenoceptor agonists, used widely as bronchodilator in treating bronchial asthma, may have anti-inflammatory activity.

Objective: We examined whether various widely prescribed beta2-adrenoceptor agonists differ in anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Methods: We investigated effects of these drugs on superoxide anion generation by stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro using chemiluminescence.