Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Airways

摘要: In addition to their well-known roles in the nervous system, there is increasing recognition that neurotrophins such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) well receptors are expressed peripheral tissues including lung, and can thus potentially contribute both normal physiology pathophysiology of several diseases. The relevance this family growth factors lies emerging clinical data indicating altered neurotrophin levels function a range diseases neonatal adult asthma, sinusitis, influenza, lung cancer. current review focuses on 1) importance BDNF expression signaling mechanisms early airway development, critical also its disruption prematurity insults inflammation infection; 2) how BDNF, from nerves modulate neurogenic control tone, key aspect reflexes dysfunctional responses allergic inflammation; 3) idea local production by resident cells epithelium smooth muscle structure function, hyperreactivity remodeling asthma. Furthermore, given pleiotropic effects airway, may be novel appealing therapeutic target.