title: The extracellular matrix of the lung and its role in edema formation.
abstract: The extracellular matrix is composed of a three-dimensional fiber mesh filled with different macromolecules such as: collagen (mainly type I and III), elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans. In the lung, the extracellular matrix has several functions which provide: 1) mechanical tensile and compressive strength and elasticity, 2) low mechanical tissue compliance contributing to the maintenance of normal interstitial fluid dynamics, 3) low resistive pathway for an effective gas exchange, d) control of cell behavior by the binding of growth factors, chemokines, cytokines and the interaction with cell-surface receptors, and e) tissue repair and remodeling. Fragmentation and disorganization of extracellular matrix components comprises the protective role of the extracellular matrix, leading to interstitial and eventually severe lung edema. Thus, once conditions of increased microvascular filtration are established, matrix remodeling proceeds fairly rapidly due to the activation of proteases. Conversely, a massive matrix deposition of collagen fiber decreases interstitial compliance and therefore makes the tissue safety factor stronger. As a result, changes in lung extracellular matrix significantly affect edema formation and distribution in the lung.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Anestesia B, Department of Ambient, Health and Safety, University of Insubria, and Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy. ppelosi@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pelosi
authors.forename: Patricia R M
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Rocco
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Negrini
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Passi
mesh_terms: D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000503:physiopathology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D045604:Extracellular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins