NR3C1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The phosphorylation status of GR in peripheral lung tissue was analysed by immunohistochemistry using samples from COPD patients (n = 16), S (n = 9) and NS (n = 11); small airway epithelium and cells within the submucosa displayed GR that was phosphorylated at ser203 and 211 in all 3 subject groups, but there was no evidence of phosphorylation at ser226 (Fig. 6A–C).