Localization of leukaemia inhibitory factor to airway epithelium and its amplification of contractile responses to tachykinins

摘要

These results demonstrate that LIF is present in guinea-pig and human airway epithelium, and modulates airway responses to tachykinins. In the acute setting LIF augments the capsaicin-induced release of endogenous tachykinins, whilst in the longer term (＞24 h), LIF increases airway smooth muscle responses to tachykinins via an NK_2 receptor selective mechanism. We conclude that LIF may be an important effector molecule in the response of airways to injury or inflammation.