The beta-2 adrenergic receptor is a G-protein coupled adrenergic receptor with 30-fold higher affinity for epinephrine than norepinephrine. Agonist binding to the beta-2 adrenergic receptor initiates signal transduction pathways via activation of adenylyl cyclases. There are numerous physiological effects of beta-2 adrenergic receptor activation, including smooth muscle rela, Xenopus/Amphibian,ation, blood vessel dilation, increased heart rate, and insulin secretion. The Gly-16 allele is overrepresented in individuals affected by nocturnal asthma as compared to controls, and appears to be an important genetic factor in the e, Xenopus/Amphibian,pression of this asthmatic phenotype.