The site of action of beta-2-sympathomimetic bronchodilatators in patients with chronic obstructive airway disease.

Administration of fenoterol aerosol limited to the upper respiratory tract during intubation produced the same bronchodilatating effect as the usual administration to the whole respiratory tract by the metered-dose aerosols used clinically in patients with chronic obstructive airway disease. The site of action of the beta 2-sympathicomimetic drugs in this area of the respiratory tract appears to be in the sensory limb of the bronchoconstriction reflex.