[Potential role of cytokines in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF), and study the potential role of cytokines in the development of IPF.


METHODS
The immunohistochemical methods were used to determine the expression of PDGF, TGF-beta in TBLB from patients with IPF.


RESULTS
In IPF patients, TGF-beta mainly existed at tiny bronchial epithelial cells, alveolar epithelial type-II cells and alveolar macrophages, showing strong expression compared with controls (P<0.01). PDGF mainly existed at fibroblast-like cells surrounding pulmonary vessels, fibroblasts, tiny bronchial epithelial cells, alveolar epithelial type-II cells and alveolar macrophages, showing strong expression compared with controls (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
PDGF and TGF-beta, which interact with pulmonary mesenchymal cells, are involved in the formation of pulmonary fibrosis.
Wu
Xiao-mei
XM
Department of Respiratory Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, Heilongjiang, China.
Wang
Xin-yan
XY
Chen
Fu-hui
FH
D000328:Adult; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis
D016207:Cytokines; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta