The Role of Endogenous NADPH Oxidases in Airway and Pulmonary Vascular Smooth Muscle Function

Reactive oxygen species generated from NADPH oxidase(s) in airway smooth muscle cells and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells are important signaling intermediates. Nox4 appears to be the predominant gp91 homologue in these cells. However, expression of NADPH oxidase components is dependent on phenotype, and different homologues may be expressed during different functional states of the cell. NADPH oxidase(s) appear to be important not only for mitogenesis by these cells, but also for O₂ sensing. The regulation of NADPH oxidase(s) in airway and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells has important implications for the pathobiochemistry of asthma and pulmonary vascular diseases.