Distribution of airway narrowing responses across generations and at branching points, assessed in vitro by anatomical optical coherence tomography

Previous histological and imaging studies have shown the presence of variability in the degree of bronchoconstriction of airways sampled at different locations.

Authors:
Noble PB, McLaughlin RA, West AR, Becker S, Armstrong JJ, McFawn PK, Eastwood PR, Hillman DR, Sampson DD, Mitchell HW.

Authors notes:
Respir Res. 2010 Jan 22;11:9.

Keywords:
distribution of airway narrowing responses, across generations, branching points, assessed in vitro, anatomical optical coherence tomography

Abstract:
Previous histological and imaging studies have shown the presence of variability in the degree of bronchoconstriction of airways sampled at different locations in the lung (i.e., heterogeneity). Heterogeneity can occur at different airway generations and at branching points in the bronchial tree. Whilst heterogeneity has been detected by previous experimental approaches, its spatial relationship either within or between airways is unknown.