Increased density of intraepithelial mast cells in patients with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction regulated through epithelially derived thymic stromal …

Y Lai, WA Altemeier, J Vandree, AM Piliponsky… - Journal of allergy and …, 2014 - Elsevier
Background Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a prototypical feature of indirect
airway hyperresponsiveness. Mast cells are implicated in EIB, but the characteristics,
regulation, and function of mast cells in patients with EIB are poorly understood. Objectives
We sought to examine mast cell infiltration of the airway epithelium in patients with EIB and
the regulation of mast cell phenotype and function by epithelially derived cytokines. Methods
Endobronchial biopsy specimens, epithelial brushings, and induced sputum were obtained …