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What is asthma? An update on the mechanisms
1Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Investigational Allergology & Clinical Immunology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Asthma is an inflammatory airway disease characterized by variable narrowing and hyperresponsiveness. Key inflammatory cells like eosinophils and mast cells contribute to symptoms by releasing mediators that cause bronchoconstriction.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Asthma is characterized by variable airway narrowing and hyperresponsiveness.
- It is recognized as an inflammatory disease of the airways, even in mild cases.
- Airways inflammation involves activated inflammatory cells, such as eosinophils and mast cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of airways inflammation in asthma pathogenesis.
- To discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving asthma symptoms.
- To explore the contribution of inflammatory mediators and structural changes to airway hyperresponsiveness.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on asthma pathogenesis.
- Analysis of inflammatory cell presence and activity in asthmatic airways.
- Examination of inflammatory mediators and their effects on airway function.
Main Results:
- Activated eosinophils and mast cells are present in asthmatic airways, even in mild disease.
- Proinflammatory cytokines like GM-CSF promote inflammatory cell survival.
- Mediators such as cysteinyl leukotrienes contribute to airway narrowing and induced asthma.
Conclusions:
- Airways inflammation is central to asthma pathogenesis.
- Inflammatory cells and mediators play a significant role in airway narrowing and hyperresponsiveness.
- Persistent inflammation may lead to structural changes contributing to chronic asthma.