Airway epithelial anion secretion and barrier function following exposure to fungal aeroallergens: role of oxidative stress.

Aeroallergens produced by can elicit life-threatening exacerbations of asthma in patients sensitized to this fungus. In this study, the effect of on ion transport mechanisms underlying mucociliary clearance and airway epithelial barrier function was investigated in human airway epithelial cells. Apical exposure to induced an increase in anion secretion that was inhibited by blockers of CFTR and Ca-activated Cl channels.