Mechanistic Insights From Bronchoscopy Airway Samples
The purpose of this study is to examine the mechanisms of asthma. The investigators are comparing the cells of individuals with and without asthma and looking at the roles various parts of the cell play in the production and secretion of mucus.
• Healthy Controls
‣ Male and female subjects between the ages of 18 and 70 years
⁃ Ability to provide written informed consent and ability to comply with the requirements of the study
⁃ No hyperreactivity to methacholine (PC20 FEV1 Methacholine \>16 mg/mL)
⁃ No history of allergic rhinitis/seasonal allergies
• Asthmatics
‣ Male and female subjects between the ages of 18 and 70 years
⁃ Ability to provide written informed consent and ability to comply with the requirements of the study
⁃ History of asthma
⁃ No use of oral or inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of asthma during the past 6 weeks
⁃ Hyperreactivity to methacholine (PC20 FEV1 Methacholine \< 8 mg/ml)