ROLE OF ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF BRONCHIAL-ASTHMA

Endothelial cells appear to play a dual role in the pathogenesis of br onchial asthma. These cells participate in recruitment of leukocytes t o the site of the allergic response by releasing neutrophil chemotacti c factors and modulating leukocyte-adhesion molecules. Enhanced expres sion of adhesion molecules has been detected in endothelial cell cultu res subjected to various types of stimuli, including such cytokines as tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta. In addition, ther e is evidence to suggest that antibodies directed against an endotheli al cell component may also contribute to the inflammatory processes as sociated with severe asthma.