Abstract
Thickening of the basement membrane zone (BMZ) is a characteristic feature of airway remodeling. The BMZ appears as three component layers: the laminas lucida, densa, and reticularis. The lamina reticularis of the BMZ is thickened in asthma, allergic rhinitis, eosinophil bronchitis and lung transplants. Collagen types I, III and V form heterogeneous fibers that account for the thickness of the BMZ. Proteoglycans are structural component of the BMZ responsible for many of its functions, in particular, trafficking of growth factors and cytokines between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. An important function of the BMZ is storage and regulation of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). FGF-2 has been shown to be involved with normal growth and thickening of the BMZ. Treatment with corticosteroids reduces the width of the BMZ in asthmatics. The significance of BMZ thickening in airway function is not clear however, it may have a positive effect by physically protecting against airway narrowing and air trapping. Thickening of the BMZ may have a negative effect by influencing how the epithelial mesenchymal trophic unit functions. However at this point there are no studies showing abnormal trafficking of growth factors and cytokines due to thickening of the BMZ.
Keywords: Basement membrane zone, lamina reticularis, collagen, perlecan, fibroblast growth factor-2
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews
Title: The Basement Membrane Zone in Asthma
Volume: 2 Issue: 3
Author(s): Michael J. Evans, Michelle V. Fanucchi and Charles G. Plopper
Affiliation:
Keywords: Basement membrane zone, lamina reticularis, collagen, perlecan, fibroblast growth factor-2
Abstract: Thickening of the basement membrane zone (BMZ) is a characteristic feature of airway remodeling. The BMZ appears as three component layers: the laminas lucida, densa, and reticularis. The lamina reticularis of the BMZ is thickened in asthma, allergic rhinitis, eosinophil bronchitis and lung transplants. Collagen types I, III and V form heterogeneous fibers that account for the thickness of the BMZ. Proteoglycans are structural component of the BMZ responsible for many of its functions, in particular, trafficking of growth factors and cytokines between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. An important function of the BMZ is storage and regulation of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). FGF-2 has been shown to be involved with normal growth and thickening of the BMZ. Treatment with corticosteroids reduces the width of the BMZ in asthmatics. The significance of BMZ thickening in airway function is not clear however, it may have a positive effect by physically protecting against airway narrowing and air trapping. Thickening of the BMZ may have a negative effect by influencing how the epithelial mesenchymal trophic unit functions. However at this point there are no studies showing abnormal trafficking of growth factors and cytokines due to thickening of the BMZ.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Evans J. Michael, Fanucchi V. Michelle and Plopper G. Charles, The Basement Membrane Zone in Asthma, Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews 2006; 2 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157339806778018999
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157339806778018999 |
Print ISSN 1573-398X |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6387 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Exposure to PM2.5 components is associated with respiratory diseases
Through continuous research on the relationship between risk factors and health, it has been found that air pollution, especially atmospheric particulate matter pollution, has become one of the main sources of global disease burden. From 1990 to 2022, the concentration of atmospheric particulate matter pollution has increased by more than ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
The Caveolin-1 Connection to Cell Death and Survival
Current Molecular Medicine Synthesis of Pyrimidine-Annulated Five-Membered Heterocycles: An Overview
Current Organic Chemistry Glyco-Engineering of Human IgG-Fc to Modulate Biologic Activities
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction of Oil from Microwave-pretreated Jicaro Seeds
Current Biochemical Engineering (Discontinued) Forceps: Still an Option?
Current Women`s Health Reviews IL-4 and IL-13: Their Pathological Roles in Allergic Diseases and their Potential in Developing New Therapies
Current Drug Targets - Inflammation & Allergy Therapeutic Potential of Voltage Gated Calcium Channels
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Potential Role of Antibiotics in the Treatment of Asthma
Current Drug Targets - Inflammation & Allergy The Nervous System as a Critical Regulator of Immune Responses Underlying Allergy
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Occurrence of Bisphenol A, Phthalates, Parabens and Other Environmental Phenolic Compounds in House Dust: A Review
Current Organic Chemistry Deciphering Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in the Era of Drug-Eluting Coronary Stents
Current Drug Targets Herb-Drug Interactions and Mechanistic and Clinical Considerations
Current Drug Metabolism Analysis of QTc Interval during Levofloxacin Prescription in Cardiac Patients with Pneumonia
Current Drug Safety Safety of the Thrombopoiesis-Stimulating Agents for the Treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenia
Current Drug Safety Investigation of Family 18 Chitinases and Inhibitors by Computer-Aided Approaches
Current Drug Targets Chemical Biology: Past, Present and Future
Current Chemical Biology Phosphorylation-Specific Prolyl Isomerase Pin1 as a new Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target for Cancer
Current Cancer Drug Targets Therapeutic Targets in Respiratory Viral Infections
Current Medicinal Chemistry Computational and Pharmacogenomic Insights on Hypertension Treatment: Rational Drug Design and Optimization Strategies
Current Drug Targets Chemical Intolerance
Current Rheumatology Reviews