Collagen remodelling by airway smooth muscle is resistant to steroids and beta(2)-agonists

Abstract

Bi-directional interactions between airway smooth muscle (ASM) and the altered extracellular matrix (ECM) may influence airway wall remodelling and ASM function in asthma. We have investigated the capacity of cultured human ASM to reorganise the structure of three-dimensional collagen gels and the effects of endothelin (ET)-1 and agents used to treat asthma. Human ASM cells were cast in type I collagen gels. Reductions in gel area over 72 h were determined in the absence and presence of ET-1 and potential inhibitors, steroids and β₂-adrenoceptor agonists. Changes in gel wet weights and hydroxyproline content were measured and ASM gel morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy. C..