Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice
Published on: June 25, 2012
Mediators on human airway smooth muscle
C Armour1, P Johnson, S Anticevich
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract:
1. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma may be due to several abnormalities, but must include alterations in the airway smooth muscle responsiveness and/or volume. 2. Increased responsiveness of airway smooth muscle in vitro can be induced by certain inflammatory cell products and by induction of sensitization (atopy). 3. Increased airway smooth muscle growth can also be induced by inflammatory cell products and atopic serum. 4. Mast cell numbers are increased in the airways of asthmatics and, in our studies, in airway smooth muscle that is sensitized and hyperresponsive. 5. We propose that there is a relationship between mast cells and airway smooth muscle cells which, once an allergic process has been initiated, results in the development of critical features in the lungs in asthma.
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