Neural mechanisms in asthma

Abstract

Neural control of the airways may be abnormal in asthma and neurogenic mechanisms may contribute to the pathophysiology of asthma. Cholinergic nerves are the predominant bronchoconstrictor pathway in airways and cholinergic neurotransmission may be increased in asthma by the effects of inflammatory mediators on afferent nerves (reflex effect) and on prejunctional receptors on postganglionic nerves. In addition there may be a defect in prejunctional M2-receptors on cholinergic nerves resulting in increased cholinergic neural effects. beta-Adrenoceptor function may be abnormal in asthmatic airways as a result of chronic inflammation, but alpha-receptors are probably unimportant in regulation of human airway tone. Inhibitory NANC nerves are the only bronchodilator pathway in human airways, and there is some evidence that the neurotransmitter is predominantly nitric oxide, although vasoactive intestinal peptide may be contributory. It is possible that i-NANC function may be abnormal in asthma as a consequence of inflammation. Unmyelinated sensory nerves contain a variety of potent inflammatory peptides, including substance P and neurokinin A, which might be released in chronic inflammation, particularly if there is a proliferation of these nerves, increased neuropeptide synthesis or reduced metabolism by neutral endopeptidase.