During deep inspirations (DI), a distending force is applied to airway smooth muscle (ASM; i.e., stress) and the muscle is lengthened (i.e., strain), which produces a transient reversal of bronchoconstriction (i.e., bronchodilation). The aim of the present study was to determine whether an increase in ASM stress or the accompanying increase in strain mediates the bronchodilatory response to DI....

The effect of deep inspiration (DI) on airway responsiveness differs in asthmatic and normal human subjects. The mechanism for the effects of DI on airway responsiveness in vivo has not been identified. To elucidate potential mechanisms, we compared the effects of DI imposed before or during induced bronchoconstriction on the airway response to methacholine (MCh) in rabbits. The changes in airw...

The present study aimed to examine the role of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and serum surfactant protein D (SP‐D) level in the determination of radiation pneumonitis (RP) after thoracic radiotherapy (RT). The study included 34 treatments for 33 patients, including 16 three‐dimensional conformal and 18 stereotactic body RT treatments. eNO levels were measured prior to RT, immediately subsequent to...

The bronchomotor effects of a deep inhalation (DI) may provide relevant information about the mechanisms of exercise-induced airway obstruction in children and may be assessed by respiratory conductance (Grs) measured using the forced oscillation technique. The aims of the present study were to assess the effect of DI on Grs after exercise in relationship to the lung function response to exerci...

Ephedra gerardiana (E. gerardiana,), commonly known as "Ma-huang," is a medicinal plant native to the Himalayan region. Historically, it has long traditional use in various indigenous systems for purpose. The current review aims summarize present knowledge on botanical description, phytochemistry, uses, and pharmacological properties of E. gerardiana. This study was thoroughly based previous li...

During the late-phase (LP) response to inhaled allergen, mediators from neutrophils and eosinophils are released within the airways, resembling what occurs during an asthma attack. We compared the distribution of obstruction and degree of reversibility that follows a deep inspiration (DI) during early-phase (EP) and LP responses in nine asthmatic subjects challenged with allergen. Heterogeneity...

BACKGROUND Benzodiazepines have a direct bronchodilatory effect. Methacholine is a non-selective muscarinic receptor agonist causing bronchoconstriction. AIM To examine the effects of inhaled benzodiazepines, modulating bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine in patients with asthma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twelve patients with well controlled asthma were studied. On the first day, after d...

Recent studies suggest that alterations of the arginine metabolome and a dysregulation of nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma. L-Arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, is a common substrate for both the arginases and NO synthase (NOS) enzyme families. NO is an important vasodilator of the bronchial circulation, with both bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory ...