Respiratory defenses in health and disease.
Every breath holds the potential to introduce infectious organisms and irritating particulates into the respiratory tract. Despite this continuous exposure, the lungs usually remain sterile. Further, potential pathogens are distinguished from innocuous particulates, thus sparing the respiratory tract from damaging inflammation. The article reviews the complex defenses used to protect the respiratory tract and also discusses the implications of failed defense systems.
Cohn
Leah A
LA
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. cohnl@missouri.edu
Reinero
Carol R
CR
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000276:immunology; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D002415:Cats / Q000276:immunology*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D004285:Dogs / Q000276:immunology*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal / Q000276:immunology; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*
D018836:Inflammation Mediators