This study aimed at demonstrating the relevance and validity of microarrays in the definition of allergic asthma expression pattern.

4 healthy controls without history of allergy and asthma and 4 allergic asthmatic subjects according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria were selected

Allergy history

4 healthy controls without history of allergy

Biopsies evaluated as acceptable by the research assistant were taken from bronchi of the right lung using alligator forceps (Olympus FB-15C-1). Biopsies were obtained from the ubsegmental and segmental bronchial carinae of the lower (3 to 5 biopsies) and upper (1 to 2 biopsies) lobes, as well as the lobar carinae of the middle (2 biopsies) and upper (1 to 2 biopsies) lobes to provide adequate samples of the large airways (3rd to 5th bronchial generation).