[Oxygen free radicals and bronchial asthma]. / Radicaux libres de l'oxygène et asthme bronchique.

ABSTRACT

Oxygen free radicals are released generally by many cells during phagocytosis and cell activation. In asthmatics, some experimental evidence indicates that oxygen free radicals may be considered to be chemical mediators of anaphylaxis. They are released by macrophages, eosinophils and neutrophils, the cells that are found in bronchoalveolar lavage. They may explain some pathological changes, such as hardening of the airways, bronchial hyper-reactivity and inflammation. Therapeutic implications are discussed.