Neutrophil elastase and obliterative bronchiolitis.
Bronchoalveolar lavage levels of elastase were assayed to determine the timing and magnitude of elevations in elastase relative to both fibrosis, as indicated by hyaluronate (HA) levels, and decline in FEV1 characteristic of the clinical syndrome of obliterative bronchiolitis (OB). Samples were collected from 48 heart-lung or single lung transplant recipients. Regression analysis was performed and demonstrated that high levels of elastase occurred with active decline in lung function and in association with high levels of HA. This study suggested that intense neutrophil elastase release occurs concurrent with the development of OB and may contribute to the destruction of bronchiolar architecture.
Division of Thoracic Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
J P
JP
Scott
D W
DW
Holt
J
J
Wallwork
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D001989:Bronchiolitis Obliterans / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D016041:Heart-Lung Transplantation / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase / Q000032:analysis*; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013997:Time Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase