Role of Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cells in COPD

Background Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) are specialized airway epithelial cells with dual sensory and secretory functions. They release bioactive mediators --including neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), and neurotransmitters such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) --that regulate airway smooth-muscle tone, mucus production, and immune responses. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), these PNEC-derived mediators contribute to airway inflammation, remodeling, and smooth-muscle dysfunction. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD are closely linked to PNEC activity.