Role of endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.
Endothelial cells appear to play a dual role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. These cells participate in recruitment of leukocytes to the site of the allergic response by releasing neutrophil chemotactic factors and modulating leukocyte-adhesion molecules. Enhanced expression of adhesion molecules has been detected in endothelial cell cultures subjected to various types of stimuli, including such cytokines as tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that antibodies directed against an endothelial cell component may also contribute to the inflammatory processes associated with severe asthma.
Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille, France.
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AB
Tonnel
P
P
Lassalle
Y
Y
Delneste
D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans