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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
10:20
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.
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology & Physiology
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Asthma involves airway smooth muscle changes, potentially driven by inflammation and atopy. Mast cells may interact with airway smooth muscle, contributing to asthma
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Asthma pathogenesis involves airway hyperresponsiveness.
- Airway smooth muscle (ASM) alterations are critical in asthma.
- Inflammatory mediators and atopy are implicated in ASM changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mast cells in asthma-related ASM abnormalities.
- To explore the relationship between mast cells and ASM responsiveness/growth.
- To understand the contribution of allergic processes to asthma pathology.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies of ASM responsiveness and growth.
- Induction of sensitization using atopic serum and inflammatory products.
- Quantification of mast cell numbers in sensitized ASM.
Main Results:
- Inflammatory cell products and atopy increased ASM responsiveness in vitro.
- Atopic serum and inflammatory products promoted ASM growth.
- Increased mast cell numbers were observed in sensitized, hyperresponsive ASM.
Conclusions:
- ASM responsiveness and growth are influenced by inflammatory mediators and atopy.
- A link exists between mast cells and ASM cells in allergic responses.
- This mast cell-ASM interaction may drive key features of asthma in the lungs.
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