NCIt definition : The tartrate salt of arformoterol, the (R,R)-enantiomer of formoterol and a long-acting
beta-2 adrenergic agonist with bronchodilator activity. Arformoterol selectively binds
to and activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in bronchiolar smooth muscle, thereby
causing stimulation of adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increased
intracellular cAMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and lead to
an inhibition of release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells. This may eventually
lead to an improvement of airway function.;