title: Expression of ADAMs ("a disintegrin and metalloprotease") in the human lung.
abstract: In view of the associations of "a disintegrin and metalloprotease" (ADAM) with respiratory diseases, we assessed the expression of various ADAMs in human lung tissue. Lung tissue was obtained from nine individuals who underwent surgery for lung cancer or underwent lung transplantation for emphysema. Also, 16HBE 14o- (human bronchial epithelial) and A549 (alveolar type II epithelium-like) cell lines were used. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies recognizing different ADAM domains. The ADAMs were typically distributed over the bronchial epithelium. ADAM8 and ADAM10 were expressed diffusely in all layers of the epithelium. ADAM9, ADAM17, and ADAM19 were predominantly expressed in the apical part of the epithelium, and ADAM33 was predominantly and strongly expressed in basal epithelial cells. In smooth muscle, ADAM19 and ADAM17 were strongly expressed, as was ADAM33, though this expression was weaker. ADAM33 was strongly expressed in vascular endothelium. All ADAMs were generally expressed in inflammatory cells. The typical distribution of ADAMs in the lung, especially in the epithelium, is interesting and suggests a localized function. As most ADAMs are involved in release of (pro-) inflammatory mediators and growth factors, they may play an important role in the first line of defense and in initiation of repair events in the airways.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Antoon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dijkstra
authors.forename: Dirkje S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Postma
authors.forename: Jacobien A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Noordhoek
authors.forename: Monique E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Lodewijk
authors.forename: Henk F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Kauffman
authors.forename: Nick H T
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: ten Hacken
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Timens
mesh_terms: D051722:ADAM Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000378:metabolism; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D051722:ADAM Proteins