[Inflammation: a major role in the occurrence of bronchospasm]

Until now, when bronchospasm occurs, modifications of the contractility of smooth muscle and mediator release have been considered as the main causes. Better understanding of the epithelial barrier indicates that it takes part in all stages of the reduction of bronchial diameters. Inflammation is also implicated in hyper-reactivity of smooth muscle, in mediator release and in the production of cellular factors such as the cytokines by the epithelium. There are many causative cells, but it is probable that the eosinophils are the group that plays the preponderant role in the appearance of bronchospasm.