The Role of the Epithelial Cell in Bronchial Asthma.
10.12701/yujm.1999.16.1.15
- Author:
Jin Hong CHUNG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Taegu, Korea.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Epithelial cell;
Allergic inflammatory response
- MeSH:
Asthma*;
Epithelial Cells*;
Epithelium;
Irritants
- From:Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine
1999;16(1):15-24
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Although traditionally viewed as a physical barrier between the host and a variety of inhaled irritants and pathogens, it has become clear that the epithelium has a much broader functional scope. Epithelial cells are metabolically active and can play an important role in the regulation of the allergic inflammatory response. This review preview provides a consideration of the role of the epithelial cell as both a "target" for exogenous and endogenous stimuli and as an "effector" cell that is capable of producing a variety of products that can influence the inflammatory response in the airways.
