[Role of inflammatory cells in the development of airway inflammation].
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is a chronic airway disorder characterized by obstructive airflow limitation which is not completely reversible with treatment. Inflammatory changes in the peripheral airways, especially those with the diameter less than 2 mm(so-called small airway disease) have been speculated to be initial steps of COPD. However, it remains unclear which types of the cells play an essential role in the pathogenesis of these lesions. Studies with bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated an increase in neutrophil numbers and the neutrophil chemoattractant interleukin-8. Tobacco smoke-induced IL-8 expression in the airway epithelial cells and macrophages results in neutrophil accumulation and activation. Immunohistochemical analysis recently demonstrated that T lymphocytes, especially CD8(+) cells are increased in the pathologic lesions. However, their role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory changes remains unelucidated. Further studies are necessary for the new development of treatment for this progressive lung disease.
Takizawa
Hajime
H
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo University.
D001980:Bronchi / Q000166:cytology; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000166:cytology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D018375:Neutrophil Activation; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000502:physiology*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000209:etiology*; D012907:Smoking / Q000378:metabolism
D016209:Interleukin-8