THE ROLE OF THE COLLAGENOUS AND ELASTIC SYSTEM FIBERS IN MODULATING BRONCHOCONSTRICTION

The distribution and conformational changes of the fibers of the colla genous and elastic systems in guinea pig airways after a contractile a gonist challenge are described. We observed a distinct pattern of beha vior within the mucosal fibers during bronchoconstriction. Part of the fibers of the two systems tend to follow the epithelial invaginations towards the airway lumen, while the remaining ones seem to be attache d to the internal smooth muscle. These layers of fibers in the mucosa are interconnected to one another and to the adventitial network by sl ender fibers. We suggest that the configuration and behavior of these fibers during bronchoconstriction may contribute to airway reopening a fter the contractile stimulus has ceased. The possible role of this me chanism in the pathophysiology of human asthma is discussed.