Chronic Lung Disease

Inhibiting EGFR and IL-13 production may reduce excess mucus production

Published in Respiratory Therapeutics Week, February 20th, 2006

In some patients with chronic lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, a genetic tendency to produce higher levels of epidermal growth factor receptor and interleukin-13 may cause the excessive mucus production that blocks their airways, suggest researchers.

The removal of bacteria and inhaled dust from the lungs is performed by the coordinated actions of two distinct cell types in the airways: cells that produce mucus to trap the dust (goblet cells), and cells with tiny hairs, called cilia, on their surface to sweep the mucus out of the lungs (ciliated cells). However, excess mucus stuck in the airways is a serious cause of breathing difficulty and airway...

Want to see the full article?

Purchase this article for only $3.00

We're a pay-per-view site for premium content. If you'd like to purchase this article, it's only $3.00.

Welcome to NewsRx!

Learn more about a six-week, no-risk free trial of Respiratory Therapeutics Week

Source: Respiratory Therapeutics Week (2006-02-20)

NewsRx is Social

Top Medical Newsletters

Awards

Best Health/Healthcare Content, 2012
Best Health/Healthcare Content, 2011
Best e-Business Site, 2010
Best e-Business Site, 2009
Best e-Business Site, 2008
Best e-Business Site, 2007
Best e-Business Site, 2006
Best Healthcare Content, 2005
Best Overall Internet Site, 2005
Best Interactive Site, 2005

Facts & Stats

NewsRx also is available at LexisNexis, Gale, ProQuest, Factiva, Dialog, Thomson Reuters, NewsEdge, and Dow Jones.

Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top Health News and Media Publications
Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top Science Publications in Biology/Physiology
Google 2010 PageRank: #2 Among Top News and Media for the Business of Pharmaceuticals
Amazon's Alexa 2010 PageRank: #2 News and Media Site for the Pharmaceutical Industry