Abstract
Stimulation of bronchopulmonary vagal afferent C fibers by inflammatory mediators can lead to coughing, chest tightness, and changes in breathing pattern, as well as reflex bronchoconstriction and secretions. These responses serve a defensive function in healthy lungs but likely contribute to many of the signs and symptoms of inflammatory airway diseases. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the activation of bronchopulmonary C-fiber terminals may lead to novel therapeutics that would work in an additive or synergic manner with existing anti-inflammatory strategies.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 57-68 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Physiology |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2020 |
Keywords
- Asthma
- Bronchoconstriction
- C fibers
- Cough
- Vagus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology