Autonomic innervation of human airways: structure, function, and pathophysiology in asthma

• Published in: Neuroimmunomodulation Vol. 6; no. 3; p. 145
• Main Authors: van der Velden, V H, Hulsmann, A R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01.05.1999
• Subjects: Acetylcholine - physiology; Afferent Pathways; Animals; Asthma - physiopathology; Autonomic Nervous System - anatomy & histology; Autonomic Nervous System - physiopathology; Bronchoconstriction - physiology; Cholinergic Fibers - physiology; Efferent Pathways; Humans; Inflammation; Leukocytes - drug effects; Leukocytes - immunology; Nerve Endings - secretion; Neuropeptides - physiology; Parasympathetic Nervous System - anatomy & histology; Parasympathetic Nervous System - physiopathology; Rats; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta - drug effects; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta - physiology; Respiratory System - innervation; Respiratory System - physiopathology; Sympathetic Nervous System - anatomy & histology; Sympathetic Nervous System - physiopathology; Tachykinins - physiology

The human airways are innervated via efferent and afferent autonomic nerves, which regulate many aspects of airway function. It has been suggested that neural control of the airways may be abnormal in asthmatic patients, and that neurogenic mechanisms may contribute to the pathogenesis and pathophys...