Airway smooth muscle cell (ASM cell)

Airway smooth muscle contraction is the process by which smooth muscle cells that line the airways contract, narrowing the airway lumen and increasing airway resistance. This process is physiologically important for regulation of airflow but is exaggerated in diseases such as asthma, where it contributes to acute bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and chronic airway remodeling. Airway smooth muscle cells not only contract but also play roles in immunity, cytokine secretion, and structural remodeling of the airways. Therapeutic interventions in asthma and COPD often seek to modulate the contractile state or mass of these muscle cells to improve airway function

Other names

ASM cellbronchial smooth muscle cell

β2-adrenoceptor agonists: induce ASM relaxation by increasing cAMP Muscarinic antagonists: block cholinergic-induced contraction PDE inhibitors: elevate cAMP levels, promoting relaxation TMEM16A inhibitors: reduce calcium-activated chloride flux and contraction Bronchial thermoplasty: reduces ASM mass by thermal ablation