Immunologic versus toxicologic mechanisms in airway responses.
There is now considerable evidence that T lymphocytes play an important role in generating the IgE-mediated immune response of classical allergic asthma. An immune response can be generated by other routes, including IgG- and cell-mediated mechanisms, as well. Regardless of the mechanism, it is clear that allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease, with activated T lymphocytes, eosinophils, mast cells, and other leucocytes all playing a role. Recently, an irritant asthma called reactive airway dysfunction syndrome also has emerged. It appears to be due to direct irritant or toxic effects, but shares many features of allergic asthma. Thus, several different pathways lead to the inflammatory changes and nonspecific airway responsiveness underlying asthma.
Beach
J R
JR
Institute of Occupational Health, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity