Epithelium-derived relaxing factor (s) and bronchial reactivity

PM Vanhoutte - Journal of Allergy and clinical Immunology, 1989 - Elsevier
In isolated blood vessels, the mechanical or enzymatic removal of the endothelium
augments the contractions evoked by a variety of vasoconstrictor agents, because the
endothelial cells release a powerful relaxing substance (s)(endothelium-derived relaxing
factor (s)). The focal absence of epithelial cells in airways of patients with asthma is well
documented. When the luminal surface of canine bronchi is rubbed gently, the only
morphologic change observed is the disappearance of the epithelial cell layer. The removal …