ABSTRACT

This timely volume brings together the latest basic and clinical insights on the cellular and mediator mechanisms involved in the induction and persistence of airway dysfunction of asthma by over 90 experts in the field-paving the way for developing novel and more effective antiinflammatory therapeutic agents and strategies.
Furnishing a comprehensive and up-to-date view of the expanding and interrelated components underlying asthma pathogenesis, Inflammatory Mechanisms in Asthma

  • describes how evidence on airway inflammation is obtained with invasive and noninvasive procedures, such as bronchoalveolar lavage and sputum analysis
  • reviews the complex interactions of inflammatory cells that contribute to chronic inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity, including eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and macrophages
  • considers mast cells, cytokines, neural factors, leukotrienes, kinins, and other mediators that regulate the development, establishment, or resolution of asthma exacerbations
  • presents new information suggesting that airway changes in asthma can lead to remodeling or airway fibrosis
  • and more!
    Enhanced with over 4700 references, tables, drawings, and photographs, this compelling investigation into the pathophysiology of asthma is an indispensable resource for pulmonologists, physiologists, immunologists, allergists, epidemiologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and graduate and medical school students in these disciplines.
  • chapter 1|26 pages

    The Pathology of Fatal Asthma

    chapter 2|12 pages

    Bronchoscopy

    chapter 4|14 pages

    Evidence from Induced Sputum

    chapter 5|22 pages

    Mast Cell Proteases in Asthma

    chapter 9|22 pages

    Eosinophils: Granule Proteins

    chapter 11|22 pages

    Eosinophil Autacoids

    chapter 12|20 pages

    Eosinophil Cytokines

    chapter 13|16 pages

    Eosinophils in Asthma

    chapter 17|18 pages

    T Cells in Asthma

    chapter 19|14 pages

    Antigen Presentation in the Asthmatic Lung

    chapter 22|28 pages

    Mediator Functions of Epithelial Cells

    chapter 23|40 pages

    Epithelium as a Target

    chapter 27|20 pages

    Neuroregulation of Mucosal Vasculature

    chapter 28|16 pages

    Leukocyte-Endothelial Adhesion

    chapter 29|24 pages

    Prostanoids

    chapter 30|56 pages

    Leukotrienes

    chapter 33|22 pages

    Kinins

    chapter 36|16 pages

    Inflammatory Mechanisms in Nocturnal Asthma