Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
[Bronchial hyperresponsiveness and its importance for the clinician]
1CHUV, Lausanne.
Abstract:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease, characterised by bronchial hyperresponsiveness causing bronchoconstriction, and thereby provoking typical symptoms (dyspnoea, cough, wheezing). Bronchial hyperres- ponsiveness indicates a temporary airflow limitation when exposed to a bronchoconstricting stimulus. Its measurement by challenge tests can be a valuable tool for confirming or excluding asthma, as well as for evaluating the efficacy of treatment. However, the origin of bronchial hyperresponsiveness is multifactorial and the different challenge tests are not equivalent. Direct challenge tests, like methacholine, mainly reflect chronic airway remo- delling, whereas indirect tests, like mannitol, better reflect bronchial inflammation.
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