Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Real-Time, Semi-Automated Fluorescent Measurement of the Airway Surface Liquid pH of Primary Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Published on: June 13, 2019
Structural changes to airway smooth muscle in cystic fibrosis
S R Hays1, R E Ferrando, R Carter
1Moffitt Hospital, 505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Background:
Chronic airway obstruction is characteristic of cystic fibrosis (CF) but there are few studies of airway smooth muscle remodelling in CF.
Methods:
Airway smooth muscle content and mean airway smooth muscle cell size were measured by applying design-based stereology to bronchoscopic biopsy specimens obtained from seven subjects with CF and 15 healthy controls.
Results:
The smooth muscle content increased by 63% in subjects with CF (mean (SD) 0.173 (0.08) v 0.106 (0.042) mm(3) smooth muscle/mm(3) submucosa, mean difference -0.067; 95% CI -0.12 to -0.013, p = 0.017) but there was no increase in mean cell size (2705 (351) v 2654 (757) microm(3), mean difference -51; 95% CI -687 to 585, p = 0.87).
Conclusions:
These findings indicate hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle cells without hypertrophy and suggest that accumulation of airway smooth muscle cells may contribute to airway narrowing and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in CF.
Related Concept Videos
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
The Bronchial Tree
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

