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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Utilizing the Precision-Cut Lung Slice to Study the Contractile Regulation of Airway and Intrapulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle
Published on: May 5, 2022
Airway smooth muscle growth in asthma: proliferation, hypertrophy, and migration
J Kelley Bentley1, Marc B Hershenson
1Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Medical Science Research Building II, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Room 3570B, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0688, USA.
Abstract:
Increased airway smooth muscle mass is present in fatal and non-fatal asthma. However, little information is available regarding the cellular mechanism (i.e., hyperplasia vs. hypertrophy). Even less information exists regarding the functional consequences of airway smooth muscle remodeling. It would appear that increased airway smooth muscle mass would tend to increase airway narrowing and airflow obstruction. However, the precise effects of increased airway smooth muscle mass on airway narrowing are not known. This review will consider the evidence for airway smooth muscle cell proliferation and hypertrophy in asthma, potential functional effects, and biochemical mechanisms.
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