Airway epithelium-derived inhibitory factor.
Various bronchoactive agents can induce the release from the airway epithelium of an inhibitory substance that is able to relax certain tissues including rat aorta and possibly also airway smooth muscle. This substance, whose existence has recently been confirmed using a new bioassay system, is distinct from nitric oxide (EDRF) and is also known to be non-prostanoid in nature. Roy Goldie and colleagues describe the properties of this factor, and its potential clinical significance.
Goldie
R G
RG
Department of Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Nedlands.
Fernandes
L B
LB
Farmer
S G
SG
Hay
D W
DW
D000818:Animals; D001685:Biological Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology
D001685:Biological Factors; C056250:epithelium-derived relaxant factor