Number Of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells Research Articles

Asthmatic Bronchial Matrices Determine the Gene Expression and Behavior of Smooth Muscle Cells in a 3D Culture Model.

Asthma is associated with increased deposition and altered phenotype of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. However, little is known about the processes responsible for these changes. It has been suggested that alterations of the extracellular matrix (ECM) contribute to the remodeling of ASM cells in asthma. Three-dimensional matrices allow the in vitro study of complex cellular responses to different stimuli in a close-to-natural environment. Thus, we investigated the ultrastructural and genic variations of ASM cells cultured on acellular asthmatic and control bronchial matrices. We studied horses, as they spontaneously develop a human asthma-like condition (heaves) with similarities to chronic pulmonary changes observed in human asthma. Primary bronchial ASM cells from asthmatic (n = 3) and control (n = 3) horses were cultured on decellularized bronchi from control (n = 3) and asthmatic (n = 3) horses. Each cell lineage was used to recellularize six different bronchi for 41 days. Histomorphometry on HEPS-stained-recellularized matrices revealed an increased ASM cell number in the control cell/control matrix (p = 0.02) and asthmatic cell/control matrix group (p = 0.04) compared with the asthmatic cell/asthmatic matrix group. Scan electron microscopy revealed a cell invasion of the ECM. While ASM cells showed high adhesion and proliferation processes on the control ECM, the presence of senescent cells and cellular debris in the asthmatic ECM with control or asthmatic ASM cells suggested cell death. When comparing asthmatic with control cell/matrix combinations by targeted next generation sequencing, only AGC1 (p = 0.04), MYO10 (p = 0.009), JAM3 (p = 0.02), and TAGLN (p = 0.001) were differentially expressed out of a 70-gene pool previously associated with smooth muscle remodeling. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to evaluate the effects of asthmatic ECM on an ASM cell phenotype using a biological bronchial matrix. Our results indicate that bronchial ECM health status contributes to ASM cell gene expression and, possibly, its survival.

Inflammation-dependent and independent airway remodelling in asthma.

The pathology of asthma is characterized by airway inflammation (granulocytic (GA) or paucigranulocytic (PGA)) and remodelling of airway structures. However, the relationship between inflammatory phenotypes and remodelling is unclear. We hypothesized that some features of airway remodelling are dependent on granulocytic airway inflammation while others are not. Post-mortem airway sections from control subjects (n = 48) and cases of asthma with (n = 51) or without (n = 29) granulocytic inflammation in the inner airway wall were studied. The thickness of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer, basement membrane and inner and outer airway walls, the size and number of ASM cells, the volume fraction of extracellular matrix within the ASM layer, ASM shortening and luminal mucus were estimated. Airway dimensions were compared between the three subject groups. In cases of PGA, only the thickness of the ASM layer and basement membrane was increased compared with control subjects. In cases of GA, not only the ASM and basement membrane were increased in thickness, but there was also increased inner and outer airway wall thickness and increased narrowing of the airway lumen due to ASM shortening and mucus obstruction, compared with control subjects. Granulocytic inflammation was observed more often in cases of fatal asthma. These findings suggest that inner and outer wall thickening coexists with inflammation, whereas thickening of the ASM layer and basement membrane may be present even in the absence of inflammation. Remodelling of the ASM layer and basement membrane may therefore be less susceptible to anti-inflammatory therapy.

Distribution of airway smooth muscle remodelling in asthma: Relation to airway inflammation

Pathological phenotypes of asthma have been based predominantly on inflammation, rather than airway wall remodelling. Differences in the distribution of airway smooth muscle (ASM) remodelling between large and small airways may affect clinical outcomes in asthma. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of ASM remodelling and its relation to airway inflammation. Post-mortem cases of asthma (n = 68) were categorized by the distribution of increased thickness of the ASM layer (relative to nonasthmatic controls, n = 37), into 'large only' (LO, n = 15), 'small only' (SO, n = 4) 'large/small' (LS, n = 24) or no increase (NI, n = 25). Subject characteristics, ASM and airway wall dimensions and inflammatory cell numbers were compared between groups. Apart from reduced clinical severity of asthma in NI cases (P = 0.002), subject characteristics did not distinguish asthma groups. Compared with control subjects, ASM cell number, reticular basement membrane thickness, airway wall thickness, percent muscle shortening and eosinophil number were increased (P < 0.05) in both large and small airways in LS cases and only the large airways in LO cases. Increased numbers of neutrophils were observed only in the small airways of LO cases. Distinct distributions of ASM remodelling are seen in asthma. Pathology limited to the small airways was uncommon. Increased thickness of the ASM layer was associated with airway remodelling and eosinophilia, but not neutrophilia. These data support the presence of distinct pathological phenotypes based on the site of increased ASM.

Estimating Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Volume and Number in Airway Sections. Sources of Variability

Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells are features of asthma that can be assessed in airway transverse sections using stereologically derived parameters. However, little is known about the variability of these parameters within and between airways. The aim of the present study was to assess sources of variation in the measurement of the area of the ASM layer (AASM), and the volume fraction of ASM cells (VVASM) and numerical density of ASM cells within that layer. AASM increased by up to 12% in 4-μm sections, and 28% in 30-μm sections, compared with 0.5-μm sections. AASM was greater (P < 0.05) in large than in small airways, and varied by up to 28% along segments of large airways. Numerical density of ASM cell estimates around the airway circumference varied by less than 10% if 40 random high-power fields were sampled. VVASM was most accurately estimated on 0.5-μm, rather than 4- or 30-μm sections, and was less (P < 0.05) in large than in small airways. The coefficients of variation for VVASM were less than 10% along airway segments. We found that variation of parameters used to estimate ASM cell number or size could be minimized with adequate sampling frequency around or along airway segments. Section thickness was positively related to the measured area of ASM on transverse airway sections. Thin (0.5-μm) sections should be used to estimate tissue volume fractions, which vary little within and between airways of similar size. Airway size contributes most to the variation in estimating parameters of the ASM layer.

Curcumin inhibits the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells in vitro and in vivo

The inhibition of the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is crucial for the prevention and treatment of asthma. Recent studies have revealed some important functions of curcumin; however, its effects on the proliferation of ASMCs in asthma remain unknown. Therefore, in this study, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the effects of curcumin on the proliferation of ASMCs in asthma. The thickness of the airway wall, the airway smooth muscle layer, the number of ASMCs and the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were significantly reduced in the curcumin-treated group as compared with the model group. Curcumin inhibited the cell proliferation induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and decreased the PDGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the rat ASMCs. Moreover, the disruption of caveolae using methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) attenuated the anti-proliferative effects of curcumin in the ASMCs, which suggests that caveolin is involved in this process. Curcumin upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of caveolin-1. The data presented in this study demonstrate that the proliferation of ASMCs is inhibited by curcumin in vitro and in vivo; curcumin exerts these effects by upregulating the expression of caveolin-1 and blocking the activation of the ERK pathway.

Airway Smooth Muscle Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia in Asthma

Increased thickness of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer in asthma may result from hyperplasia or hypertrophy of muscle cells or increased extracellular matrix (ECM). To relate ASM hypertrophy, ASM hyperplasia, and deposition of ECM to the severity and duration of asthma. Airways from control subjects (n = 51) and from cases of nonfatal (n = 49) and fatal (n = 55) asthma were examined postmortem. Mean ASM cell volume (V(C)), the number of ASM cells per length of airway (N(L)), and the volume fraction of extracellular matrix (f(ECM)) within the ASM layer were estimated. Comparisons between subject groups were made on the basis of general linear regression models. Mean V(C) was increased in the large airways of cases of nonfatal asthma (P = 0.015) and fatal asthma (P < 0.001) compared with control subjects. N(L) was similar in nonfatal cases and control subjects but increased in large (P < 0.001), medium (P < 0.001), and small (P = 0.034) airways of cases of fatal asthma compared with control subjects and with nonfatal cases (large and medium airways, P ≤ 0.003). The f(ECM) was similar in cases of asthma and control subjects. Duration of asthma was associated with a small increase in N(L). Hypertrophy of ASM cells occurs in the large airways in both nonfatal and fatal cases of asthma, but hyperplasia of ASM cells is present in the large and small airways in fatal asthma cases only. Both are associated with an absolute increase in ECM. Duration of asthma has little or no effect on ASM hypertrophy or hyperplasia or f(ECM).

Airway Smooth Muscle Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia in Asthma

Rationale: Increased thickness of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer in asthma may result from hyperplasia or hypertrophy of muscle cells or increased extracellular matrix (ECM).Objectives: To relate ASM hypertrophy, ASM hyperplasia, and deposition of ECM to the severity and duration of asthma.Methods: Airways from control subjects (n = 51) and from cases of nonfatal (n = 49) and fatal (n = 55) asthma were examined postmortem. Mean ASM cell volume (VC), the number of ASM cells per length of airway (NL), and the volume fraction of extracellular matrix (fECM) within the ASM layer were estimated. Comparisons between subject groups were made on the basis of general linear regression models.Measurements and Main Results: Mean VC was increased in the large airways of cases of nonfatal asthma (P = 0.015) and fatal asthma (P < 0.001) compared with control subjects. NL was similar in nonfatal cases and control subjects but increased in large (P < 0.001), medium (P < 0.001), and small (P = 0.034) airways of cases...

Neurotrophins, airway smooth muscle and the fetal breathing-like movements.

Central nervous system and skeletal muscles secrete a group of polypeptide hormones called neurotrophins (NTs). More recent studies show that NTs and their receptors are also expressed in the lung, suggesting a role for NTs in lung development. To examine the role of NTs during normal and diseased lung organogenesis, we employed wild-type and amyogenic mouse embryos (designated as Myf5-/-:MyoD-/-). Amyogenic embryos completely lacked skeletal muscles and were not viable after birth due to the respiratory failure secondary to lung hypoplasia. To examine the importance of lung-secreted NTs during normal and hypoplastic lung organogenesis, immunohistochemistry was employed. Distribution of NTs and their receptors was indistinguishable between normal and hypoplastic lungs. To further examine the importance of non-lung-secreted NTs (e.g., from the skeletal muscle and CNS) in lung organogenesis, in utero injections of two NTs were performed. The exogenously introduced NTs (i.e., non-lung-secreted) did not appear to improve development of the lung in amyogenic embryos. Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed significantly reduced number of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in hypoplastic lungs of amyogenic embryos, suggesting that the number of ASMCs is primarily regulated by the fetal breathing-like movements (i.e., mechanical factors).

Protective Effects of Tiotropium Bromide in the Progression of Airway Smooth Muscle Remodeling

Recent findings have demonstrated that muscarinic M(3) receptor stimulation enhances airway smooth muscle proliferation to peptide growth factors in vitro. Because both peptide growth factor expression and acetylcholine release are known to be augmented in allergic airway inflammation, it is possible that anticholinergics protect against allergen-induced airway smooth muscle remodeling in vivo. We investigated the effects of treatment with the long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist tiotropium on airway smooth muscle changes in a guinea pig model of ongoing allergic asthma. Twelve weekly repeated allergen challenges induced an increase in airway smooth muscle mass in the noncartilaginous airways. This increase was not accompanied by alterations in cell size, indicating that the allergen-induced changes were entirely from increased airway smooth muscle cell number. Morphometric analysis showed no allergen-induced changes in airway smooth muscle area in the cartilaginous airways. However, repeated ovalbumin challenge enhanced maximal contraction of open tracheal ring preparations ex vivo. This was associated with an increase in smooth muscle-specific myosin expression in the lung. Treatment with inhaled tiotropium considerably inhibited the increase in airway smooth muscle mass, myosin expression, and contractility. These results indicate a prominent role for acetylcholine in allergen-induced airway smooth muscle remodeling in vivo, a process that has been thus far considered to be primarily caused by growth factors and other mediators of inflammation. Therefore, muscarinic receptor antagonists, like the long-acting anticholinergic tiotropium bromide, could be beneficial in preventing chronic airway hyperresponsiveness and decline in lung function in allergic asthma.

Potential role of c-Jun NH 2-terminal kinase in allergic airway inflammation and remodelling: effects of SP600125

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways associated with structural changes such as increased airway smooth muscle mass, which may contribute to impairment of lung function. To determine whether c-Jun NH 2-terminal kinase (JNK) of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway participated in these changes, the effects of an inhibitor, SP600125 (anthra [1, 9-cd] pyrazole-6 (2H)-one), were examined in a murine model of chronic airway inflammation and remodelling. Mice sensitised to ovalbumin were exposed to ovalbumin aerosol and were treated with SP600125 [30 mg kg −1 intraperitoneal (i.p.)] on days of exposure. SP600125 significantly reduced eosinophil and lymphocyte numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, suppressed eosinophilic inflammation within the bronchial submucosa, inhibited goblet cell hyperplasia, and increased airway smooth muscle cell number in allergen-exposed mice. SP600125 also inhibited allergen-induced increase in bronchial responsiveness. SP600125 inhibited JNK activity in the challenged lungs. Although SP 600125 may also have other effects, we conclude that c-Jun NH 2-terminal kinase may play a role in allergen-induced inflammation and remodelling associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Resolution of allergic airways inflammation but persistence of airway smooth muscle proliferation after repeated allergen exposures

Chronic inflammation in asthmatic airways can lead to characteristic airway smooth muscle (ASM) thickening and pathological changes within the airway wall. We investigated the long-term effects of repeated allergen exposure. Brown-Norway (BN) rats sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) were exposed to OVA or saline aerosol every third day on six occasions and studied 24 h, 7 days and 35 days after the final exposure. We measured airway inflammation, ASM cell proliferation (by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine; BrdU) and bronchial responsiveness to acetylcholine. At 24 h, in OVA-exposed rats, we detected elevated OVA-specific serum IgE, increased numbers of macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and increased numbers of MBP+ (major basic protein) eosinophils and CD2+ T cells within the bronchial submucosa. This coincided with increased numbers of ASM cells expressing BrdU and with bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR). At 7 days, BHR was detected in OVA-exposed rats, coincident with increased numbers of macrophages and lymphocytes in BAL fluid together with increased numbers of CD2+ T cells within the bronchial submucosa. This coincided with increased numbers of ASM cells expressing BrdU. By day 35, the number of ASM cells expressing BrdU remained elevated in the absence of cellular infiltration and BHR. Repeated OVA-challenge results in persistent ASM cell proliferation in the absence of bronchial inflammation and BHR, which lasts for at least 1 week following cessation of exposure.

IFN-gamma inhibits human airway smooth muscle cell proliferation by modulating the E2F-1/Rb pathway.

Elucidating the factors that inhibit the increase in airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass may be of therapeutic benefit in asthma. Here, we investigated whether interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a potent inducer of growth arrest in various cell types, regulates mitogen-induced ASM cell proliferation. IFN-gamma (1-100 U/ml) was found to markedly decrease both DNA synthesis and ASM cell number induced by the mitogens epidermal growth factor (EGF) and thrombin. Interestingly, IFN-gamma had no effect on mitogen-induced activation of three major mitogenic signaling pathways, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, p70(S6k), or mitogen-activated protein kinases. Mitogen-induced expression of cell cycle regulator cyclin D1 was increased by IFN-gamma, whereas no effect was observed on degradation of p27(Kip1). Expression array analysis of 23 cell cycle-related genes showed that IFN-gamma inhibited EGF-induced increases in E2F-1 expression, whereas induction of c-myc, cyclin D2, Egr-1, and mdm2 were unaffected. Induction of E2F-1 protein and Rb hyperphosphorylation after mitogen stimulation was also suppressed by IFN-gamma. In addition, IFN-gamma decreased activation of cdk2 and expression of cyclin E, upstream signaling molecules responsible for Rb hyperphosphorylation in the late G1 phase. IFN-gamma also increased levels of IFI 16 protein, whose mouse homolog p202 has been associated with growth inhibition. Together, our data indicate that IFN-gamma is an effective inhibitor of ASM cell proliferation by blocking transition from G1-to-S phase by acting at two different levels: modulation of cdk2/cyclin E activation and inhibition of E2F-1 gene expression.

Antigen-induced airway inflammation in the Brown Norway rat results in airway smooth muscle hyperplasia.

Asthma is characterized by chronic airways inflammation, airway wall remodeling, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). An increase in airway smooth muscle has been proposed to explain a major part of AHR in asthma. We have used unbiased stereological methods to determine whether airway smooth muscle hyperplasia and AHR occurred in sensitized, antigen-challenged Brown Norway (BN) rats. Ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized BN rats chronically exposed to OA aerosol displayed airway inflammation and a modest level of AHR to intravenously administered ACh 24 h after the last antigen challenge. However, these animals did not show an increase in smooth muscle cell (SMC) number in the left main bronchus, suggesting that short-lived inflammatory mechanisms caused the acute AHR. In contrast, 7 days after the last aerosol challenge, there was a modest increase in SMC number, but no AHR to ACh. Addition of FCS to the chronic OA challenge protocol had no effect on the degree of inflammation but resulted in a marked increase in both SMC number and a persistent (7-day) AHR. These results raise the possibility that increases in airway SMC number rather than, or in addition to, chronic inflammation contribute to the persistent AHR detected in this model.

Inhibition of tracheal smooth muscle cell proliferation by phosphodiesterase inhibitors

Agents that increase intracellular cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), such as forskolin, prostaglandin (PG)E2, salbutamol and 8-bromo-cAMP, have been shownto inhibit the proliferation of airway smooth-muscle (ASM) cells in vitro. However, it has not yet been determined whether selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes III and IV that catalyze cAMPto 5'-adenosine monophosphate have the ability to inhibit ASM cell proliferation. To evaluate the effectsof PDE inhibitors on ASM cell proliferation, ASM cells isolated from bovine tracheae were cultured in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS), with or without a non-selective PDE inhibitor (theophylline), a selective PDE III inhibitor (cilostazol), and a selective PDE IV inhibitor (rolipram). The number of ASM cells cultured with 5% FBS was significantly reduced by the presence of theophylline at 10− 3 and 3 × 10− 4 mol/L, cilostazol at 10− 5, 10− 6 and 10− 7 mol/L, and rolipram at 10− 4 and 10− 5 mol/L. The release of lactic dehydrogenase from ASM cells cultured with any concentration of these agents was not significantly different from that with medium alone. Inhibitors of PDE III and IV were demonstrated to have an inhibitory effect on ASM cell proliferation induced by FBS. Our results suggest the value of the further development of PDE inhibitors for the treatment of hyperplasia of ASM cells characteristic of airway remodeling, in addition to bronchospasm and airway inflammation, in bronchial asthma.

Role and mechanism of thromboxane-induced proliferation of cultured airway smooth muscle cells.

Thromboxane (Tx)A2 has been reported to play an important role in modulating airway contractility under various conditions associated with airways inflammation. To identify its potential role in contributing to airway smooth muscle (ASM) hyperplasia, a characteristic feature of asthmatic airways, the mitogenic effect and mechanism of action of TxA2 were investigated in cultured rabbit ASM cells. The stable TxA2 mimetics, carbocyclic TxA2 (CTA2) and U-46619, elicited dose-dependent (10(-12) to 10(-6) M) increases in ASM cell number and induced acute augmentation of intracellular inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate accumulation. The latter action was blocked by neomycin, a phospholipase C inhibitor; however, neomycin had no effect on the promitogenic action of the TxA2 mimetics. In contrast, TxA2-induced ASM cell proliferation was inhibited by inhibitors of phospholipase A2 and 5-lipoxygenase, as well as blockade of the leukotriene (LT)D4 receptor. Moreover, in complementary studies, we found that exogenous administration of LTD4 (10(-14) to 10(-6) M) potently induced ASM cell proliferation and that the TxA2 mimetics evoked the enhanced release of endogenous leukotrienes from the cultured ASM cells. Taken together, these observations provide new evidence that 1) TxA2 stimulates ASM cell proliferation; 2) the promitogenic effect of TxA2 is associated with activation of phospholipase A2; and 3) the latter mediates ASM cell proliferation via the release and autocrine mitogenic action of leukotrienes. The findings support a potential role for TxA2 in contributing to the characteristic increase in ASM cell mass obtained in asthma and other chronic airway diseases.

Role of endothelin-1 in regulating proliferation of cultured rabbit airway smooth muscle cells.

Increased expression of the potent vasoconstrictor and bronchoactive peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), has recently been demonstrated in airway epithelial and endothelial cells of asthmatic patients. To identify its potential role in contributing to airway smooth muscle (ASM) hyperplasia, a characteristic feature of asthmatic airways, the mitogenic action of ET-1 was investigated in cultured rabbit ASM cells. ET-1 elicited significant dose-dependent (10(-12)-10(-6) M) increases in ASM cell number, with a mean potency (i.e., -log mean effective dose) of action of 9.82-log M. ET-1 also acutely stimulated intracellular inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate accumulation. The latter response was blocked by phospholipase C inhibition with neomycin; however, neomycin had no effect on the promitogenic action of ET-1. By contrast, the ASM cell proliferative response to ET-1 was independently inhibited by pertussis toxin, inhibitors of phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase, and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) synthesis, as well as blockade of the TxA2 receptor. Moreover, in complementary studies, we found that administration of the stable TxA2 mimetics, carbocyclic TxA2 (CTA2) and U-46619, induced ASM cell proliferation and that ET-1 evoked the release of endogenous TxA2 from the ASM cells. Collectively, these observations provide new evidence that 1) ET-1 is a potent mitogen of ASM cells, 2) the promitogenic effect of ET-1 is associated with activation of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein coupled to stimulation of phospholipase A2, and 3) the latter mediates ASM cell proliferation via the release and autocrine mitogenic action of TxA2. The findings support a potential role for ET-1 in mediating the characteristic hyperplasia of ASM in asthma.