Die mögliche Bedeutung der Neurotrophine in der Pathogenese des allergischen Asthmas

Bronchial asthma has been defined as a chronic disorder associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Although the number of immune cells which in-bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), the precise pathogenetic mechanism which link allergen-dependent airway inflammation and the increase in BHR are yet incompletely understood. Neurotrophins are increased after segmental allergen challenge in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and are well-known inducers of neuropeptide production in sensory neurons, indicating an involvement in the development of the BHR. A wide variety of immune cells have been identified as a cellular source suggesting allergic inflammation as a prerequisite for the development of the BHR. Furthermore, functionally active neurotrophin receptors are expressed on the surface of immune cells and could therefore initiate inflammtory responses following (paracrone or autocrine) stimulation. In addition to their effects on BHR, neurotrophins are therefore likely to be involved in the development and maintainance of allergic inflammation and might be the pathogenetic link between these two characteristics of asthma.