Abstract
Bronchoscopy was performed in 50 asthmatic patients and endoscopic findings were correlated with histological findings and electron microscopic findings of bronchial biopsy specimens in 20 cases. Endoscopic findings showed bronchoconstriction, mucous hypersecretion and bronchial edema. These findings were more prominent in patients with asthmatic attacks than those without attack. Histological examinations revealed increased goblet cells, basal cells in the bronchial epithelium and thickening of the basement membrane. It was generally difficult to demonstrate hypertrophy of the smooth muscle and mucous gland, because the biopsy specimens were small. Electron micrographs showed increased secretory granules in goblet cells and mucous glands and thickening of the fibrous layer of the basement membrane. Degranulation of bronchial mast cells showed discharge and dissolution of granules following vacuole formation. The rate of degranulation of bronchial mast cells in asthmatics with attacks was higher than in those without attacks.
