Role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Cascade in Airway Epithelial Regulation of Mucus Production

摘要: The airways form an interface between the host and environment. lungs serve function of gas exchange, connect external environment with lungs, where exchange occurs. During inspiration, a wide variety microbes (e.g., bacteria, viruses) irritants cigarette smoke) deposit on airway epithelial surface. epithelium contains “early warning system” for immediate responses to these particulate invaders, known as “innate immune responses”. Normally, exposure inhaled invaders occurs without symptoms or altered function, but in chronic diseases, exaggerated occur, leading impaired death. Mucous hypersecretion is major constituent disease states. This chapter focuses mucins, different effects large conducting vs small possible roles diseases.