[Heterogeneity of fibrosis in the lungs]

Fibrosis in the lungs has been conceptually summarized into 5 types by Spain D in 1950 when pathologists examined them using autopsy specimens. However, interstitial, parenchymal, bronchiolar, vascular and pleural fibrosis were presented differently. Since then, several critical issues can be presented in order to elucidate more effective therapeutic strategies in the areas of lung fibrosis. One is the spectrum of interstitial pneumonias, and other is a peribronchiolar pulmonary fibrosis with distortion of bronchos which is different from the type of interstitial pneumonia. Usual interstitial pneumonia(UIP) and fibrosis of sarcoidosis are two typical representative which are warranted for a development of effective therapy. Based on these recognition, a significance of pulmonary fibrosis intensively examined using animal model and several clinical research are reviewed.