Local increase in the number of mast cells and expression of nerve growth factor in the bronchus of asthmatic patients after repeated inhalation of allergen at low‐dose

Abstract

Our study shows that the increase in the number of mast cells and in the expression of NGF induced by allergen exposure in the bronchus of asthmatic patients is occurring before the onset of symptoms. In addition, our finding of the presence of the TrkA receptor on the membrane of the infiltrated mast cell in situ brings evidence of the mast cell as a target cell for the growth factor activity of NGF in the airways in asthma.