Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
09:58
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
23.5K
Airway remodeling in asthma: what really matters
Heinz Fehrenbach1,2, Christina Wagner3,4, Michael Wegmann5,6
1Division of Experimental Pneumology, Priority Area Asthma & Allergy, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Parkallee 1-40, 23845, Borstel, Germany. hfehrenbach@fz-borstel.de.
Cell and Tissue Research
|February 13, 2017
Summary
Airway remodeling involves structural changes in the airway wall. This review distinguishes physiological remodeling from pathological remodeling, exploring assessment methods and animal models for future research.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cellular Biology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Airway remodeling encompasses structural changes in the airway wall compared to healthy individuals.
- It is crucial to differentiate between physiological airway remodeling (normal development/transient response) and pathological airway remodeling (chronic alterations).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review quantitative approaches for assessing airway remodeling.
- To investigate whether airway remodeling can be a primary event preceding inflammation.
- To explore airway remodeling as a secondary event to inflammation and its study in animal models.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on quantitative assessment methods for airway remodeling.
- Analysis of evidence for primary vs. secondary airway remodeling.
- Examination of findings from diverse animal models (invertebrate to primate).
Main Results:
- Distinction between physiological and pathological airway remodeling is essential for understanding lung health.
- Evidence suggests airway remodeling can be both a primary and secondary event to inflammation.
- Animal models provide valuable insights into airway remodeling mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Future research should focus on pheno-/endotype-specific aspects of airway remodeling.
- Utilizing endotype-specific animal models and "endotyped" human asthmatics is recommended.
- Advancement of in vivo imaging techniques is needed for early monitoring of airway development and inflammation.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.7K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.7K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
4.9K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
4.9K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.5K
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.5K
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.6K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.6K
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
3.5K
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
3.5K
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
3.6K
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
3.6K