title: Bronchial epithelium and asthma.
abstract: The bronchial epithelium has a number of mechanical functions, including mucociliary clearance and protection against noxious agents. It may also modulate the function of the underlying smooth muscle by metabolism and regulation of mediators and the production of relaxant or constrictor substances, and regulate the activation and differentiation of lymphocytes and mast cells by releasing chemotactic factors and cytokines. It is possible that epithelial structural and functional abnormalities may lead via several mechanisms to increased bronchial responsiveness in asthmatic subjects.
authors.affiliation: Interuniversity Center for the Study of the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Lung Injury, University of Milano, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Allegra
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Fabbri
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Picotti
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mattoli
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001980:Bronchi / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009079:Mucociliary Clearance