1. The role of neural inflammation in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Author
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Joos GF, De Swert KO, Schelfhout V, and Pauwels RA
- Subjects
- Animals, Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid immunology, Humans, Inflammation immunology, Nerve Growth Factor physiology, Receptors, Neurokinin-1 immunology, Receptors, Neurokinin-2 immunology, Tachykinins antagonists & inhibitors, Tachykinins immunology, Asthma immunology, Nervous System immunology, Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive immunology
- Abstract
The tachykinins substance P and neurokinin A are found within airway nerves and immune cells. They have various effects on the airways that can contribute to the changes observed in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Both tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptors have been involved in the bronchoconstriction and the proinflammatory changes induced by substance P and neurokinin A. Tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptor antagonists have activity in various animal models of allergic asthma and chronic bronchitis. It is suggested that dual NK(1)/NK(2) and triple NK(1)/NK(2)/NK(3) tachykinin receptor antagonists have potential in the treatment of obstructive airway diseases.
- Published
- 2003
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