Physiological Parameters Affecting the Modulatory Role of Airway Epithelium on Airway Smooth Muscle Responsiveness.
Numerous studies have revealed the significant action of airway epithelium as a nonspecific defence mechanism in airways. In addition, epithelial cells release biologically active agents, which modulate airway tone. Importantly, airway epithelium function is influenced by physiological parameters, including the release of endogenous factors, age, gender, load, and bronchi size.
The primary goal of this review is to summarize knowledge concerning the effect of the aforementioned parameters on the modulatory role of airway epithelium on airway smooth muscle responsiveness. These effects may be implicated in the pathophysiology of airway diseases like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Respiratory epithelium belongs to the class of ciliated pseudostratified columnar
epithelium due to the arrangement of the columnar epithelial cells. Airway epithelium functions as
a barrier to potential pathogens and foreign objects and prevents infection by the action of the ciliary escalator.
It acts as a non-specific upper airways defence mechanism, that entraps particles and other inhaled material in mucus, and transports them away from the lungs. Efficient mucociliary transport is the
result of the co-ordination of three airway epithelial functions, i.e. mucus secretion,
ciliary beat and ion and fluid transport. Another important function of airway epithelium is its ability to produce endogenous biologically active substances like Nitric Oxide, prostanoids, and endothelin.
Pulm Res Respir Med Open J. 2014; 1(1): 1-8. doi: 10.17140/PRRMOJ-1-101
