The following article requires a subscription:



(Format: HTML, PDF)

Background: Angiogenesis is a feature of airway remodeling in bronchial asthma. The mechanism responsible for this angiogenesis is unknown. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of endothelial cells, which may contribute to chronic inflammation and angiogenesis.

Objective: We sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying increased vascularity, and we examined the mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors (flt-1 and flk-1) within bronchial biopsy specimens from asthmatic patients and normal control subjects.

Methods: Endobronchial biopsy specimens were examined immunocytochemically by staining with anti-type IV collagen mAb to evaluate vessel density by using computer-assisted image analysis. Specimens were also analyzed for the presence of the mRNAs of VEGF and its receptors with in situ hybridization.

Results: The extent of airway vascularity was increased in asthmatic subjects compared with that in control subjects (P < .01). Asthmatic subjects exhibited a greater expression of VEGF, flt-1, and flk-1 mRNA cells in the airway mucosa compared with that in control subjects (P < .001 for each comparison). The degree of vascularity was associated with the number of VEGF, flt-1, and flk-1 mRNA cells. Numbers of cells expressing VEGF mRNA inversely correlated with airway caliber (r = -0.83, P < .01) and airway hyperresponsiveness (r = -0.97, P < .001). Colocalization studies showed that macrophages, eosinophils, and CD34 cells were the major sources of VEGF; CD34 cells, macrophages, and T cells expressed both flt-1 and flk-1.

Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that VEGF may play an important role in angiogenesis and subsequent airway remodeling in bronchial asthma. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;107:1034-8.)

(C) Mosby-Year Book Inc. 2001. All Rights Reserved.