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Mediator release from the airway mucosa.
European Journal of Respiratory Diseases. Supplement
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Mast cells in the bronchial mucosa increase towards the airways' interior and periphery. Their release of mediators at the luminal surface can trigger reflex bronchoconstriction and increase airway permeability.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mediator release from the bronchial mucosa is crucial in respiratory responses.
- Quantitative studies on target cell distribution within the bronchial mucosa are limited.
- Mast cells are key effector cells in allergic and inflammatory airway diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of mast cells within the bronchial mucosa.
- To understand the implications of mast cell distribution on mediator release and airway responses.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing quantitative data on bronchial mucosal cell distribution.
- Analysis of mast cell concentration gradients from the epithelial lumen to cartilage and from trachea to peripheral airways.
Main Results:
- Mast cell concentration increases from the epithelial lumen towards the cartilage.
- Mast cell concentration also increases from the trachea towards the peripheral airways.
- The bronchial mucosa's relative impermeability suggests luminal mediator release is significant.
Conclusions:
- Mast cell distribution influences mediator release dynamics in the bronchial mucosa.
- Luminal mediator release can activate irritant receptors, causing reflex bronchoconstriction.
- Increased epithelial permeability due to luminal mediators facilitates antigen penetration to submucosal mast cells, amplifying airway inflammation.