Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by irreversible airflow obstruction. This project utilized tissue obtained post-operatively from human subjects undergoing lung resection surgery. Following functional assessment, composition of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer was assessed. Airways isolated from subjects with COPD narrowed more without a concomitant increase in ASM. The extracellular matrix within the ASM layer was increased in subjects with COPD, which correlated with reduced lung function. Additional experiments using animal tissue examined the effects of hyperinflation observed in COPD. Findings suggest that hyperinflation may directly alter airway function by reducing the protective effects of deep inhalation.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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| Award date | 22 Oct 2018 |
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| Publication status | Unpublished - 2018 |
Access to Document
- THESIS - DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - CAIRNCROSS Alvenia - 2018
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