Airway smooth muscle in the pathophysiology and treatment of asthma

Airway smooth muscle in the pathophysiology and treatment of asthma. J Appl Physiol 114: 834-843, 2013. First published January 10, 2013; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00950.2012.-Airway smooth muscle (ASM) plays an integral part in the pathophysiology of asthma. It is responsible for acute bronchoconstriction, which is potentiated by constrictor hyperresponsiveness, impaired relaxation and length adaptation. ASM also contributes to airway remodeling and inflammation in asthma. In light of this, ASM is an important target in the treatment of asthma.