Distribution of endothelin-1 in transplanted human lungs.
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to assess which cells in transplanted lungs express endothelin-1 (ET-1) and if expression of the peptide can be used to discriminate between rejection and infection in transplanted lungs.


METHODS
Transbronchial biopsies (n=104) from 29 human lung transplant recipients were stained immunohistochemically for ET-1. Cells expressing ET-1 (pneumocytes, endothelial cells, airway epithelial cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages) were quantified and correlated with clinical histopathology findings.


RESULTS
ET-1 was expressed in airway epithelial cells (93% of the biopsies), infiltrating macrophages (86%), and lymphocytes (19%) but not in endothelial cells or pneumocytes. ET-1 expression did not vary with rejection, obliterative bronchiolitis, or infection. ET-1 expression did not correlate with age, grade of rejection, pulmonary function, or time after transplantation.


CONCLUSIONS
In transplanted human lungs, ET-1 is expressed in airway epithelial cells and infiltrating macrophages, and expression does not vary with pathological processes. Therefore, immunostaining for ET-1 probably cannot be used to discriminate between rejection and infection in transplanted lungs.
Jeppsson
A
A
Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Tazelaar
H D
HD
Miller
V M
VM
McGregor
C G
CG
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001989:Bronchiolitis Obliterans / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism*; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D019332:Endothelin-1