| Popis: |
This chapter discusses some of the practical difficulties arising when attempting to study cytokine expression and to interpret such studies. It considers the theoretical background relating to some of the cytokines which are believed to be of key importance in allergic asthma: those involved in the regulation of Immunoglobulin E synthesis, in the control of eosinophil function, in the process of leukocyte recruitment into the airways, and in the development of airway wall thickening. Production of eosinophils from progenitor cells in human liquid and semisolid bone marrow cultures can be stimulated by the cytokines interleukin-3, interleukin-5, and granulocyte/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor. The role of the cytokines in eosinophil production in vivo has been studied extensively in murine systems. Mathematical modelling of airway dysfunction in asthma has shown that the magnitude of airway wall thickening is sufficient to contribute substantially to airway hyperresponsiveness, which is characteristic of asthma. |
