Increased density of intraepithelial mast cells in patients with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction regulated through epithelially derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin and IL-33.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a prototypical feature of indirect airway hyperresponsiveness. Mast cells are implicated in EIB, but the characteristics, regulation, and function of mast cells in patients with EIB are poorly understood.

Objectives

We sought to examine mast cell infiltration of the airway epithelium in patients with EIB and the regulation of mast cell phenotype and function by epithelially derived cytokines.

Methods

Endobronchial biopsy specimens, epithelial brushings, and induced sputum were obtained from asthmatic patients with and without EIB and healthy control subjects. Mast cell proteases were quantified by using quantitative PCR, and mast cell density was quantified by using design-based stereology. Airway epithelial res

SUBMITTER: Lai Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4004718 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature