Human isolated bronchi represent a powerful method for the study of airway epithelium (epithelial ion transport) and smooth muscle responsiveness.
Airways mounted under isometric conditions in organ baths can be readily studied for contraction or relaxation effects in response to test compounds.
Such assays are particularly suited to allergen sensitization studies where the airways are exposed to allergens and subsequent reactions to known hormonal challenges are measured. By maintaining the structural integrity of the tissue, the interactions between epithelium and smooth muscle ensure that an accurate prediction of the in vivo actions of the drug can be obtained.