Pathophysiology of bronchial smooth muscle remodelling in asthma

• Published in: The European respiratory journal Vol. 36; no. 5; pp. 1174 - 1184
• Main Authors: Bara, I., Ozier, A., Tunon de Lara, J-M., Marthan, R., Berger, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Leeds Maney 01.11.2010
• Subjects: Animals; Asthma - pathology; Asthma - physiopathology; Biological and medical sciences; Bronchi - pathology; Bronchi - physiopathology; Cell Division - physiology; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma; Extracellular Matrix - pathology; Extracellular Matrix - physiology; Humans; Medical sciences; Muscle, Smooth - pathology; Muscle, Smooth - physiopathology; Pneumology; Lung disease; Pathophysiology; Respiratory disease; Bronchus; remodelling; Bronchus disease; Smooth muscle; Obstructive pulmonary disease; Proliferation; Asthma; Pneumology; bronchi
• ISSN: 0903-1936; 1399-3003; 1399-3003
• DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00019810

Whereas the role of bronchial smooth muscle remains controversial in healthy subjects its role is well established in asthmatics. Bronchial smooth muscle contraction induces airway narrowing. The smooth muscle also contributes to bronchial inflammation by secreting a range of inflammatory mediators, recruiting and activating inflammatory cells, such as mast cells or T-lymphocytes. In addition, bronchial smooth muscle mass is significantly increased in asthma. Such an increase has been related to a deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, and an increase in both cell size and number. However, the mechanisms of this smooth muscle remodelling are complex and not completely understood. The article will review recent data regarding the pathophysiology of bronchial smooth muscle remodelling in asthma.