Peripheral Airway Sensory Receptors (PASRs)

Peripheral airway sensory receptors are specialized nerve endings located throughout the airways, including the peripheral (distal) regions of the lung. These receptors play a crucial role in detecting and transducing various physical and chemical stimuli from the airway environment into electrical signals, which are then relayed to the central nervous system to regulate respiratory reflexes and maintain pulmonary homeostasis. They include mechanosensors (SARs, RARs), nociceptors (C-fibers), and specialized A-fibers. Key molecular sensors include TRP channels like TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPM8, and TRPV4. Alterations in receptor function are implicated in diseases like asthma and chronic cough.

Other names

Pulmonary Sensory NeuronsAirway Afferent NervesLung Sensory ReceptorsBronchial Sensory ReceptorsAirway Sensory Nerve Endings

Modulation of receptor activity to alter neuronal signaling and downstream respiratory reflexes.