Mediators in Bronchial Provocation Tests

Three major pathogenetic components characterize bronchial asthma: (1) atopy, i.e., increased levels of IgE and increased degranulation of mast cells and basophils triggered by IgE-mediated or non-IgE-mediated stimuli; (2) allergic inflammation, which damages to varying extents the bronchial wall components (epithelium, vessels, submucosal glands, respiratory nerve endings, and smooth muscle); (3) bronchial hyperreactivity (BH) to physical, chemical, and allergic stimuli, which trigger bronchial obstruction by bronchospasm, vasodilation, mucosal edema, and mucous hypersecretion.