[Expression and secretion of alpha-2-macroglobulin by dust-stimulated alveolar macrophages]

In dust-induced, fibrosing lung processes macrophages are increased activated by foreign body reactions. The release of monokines and proteolytic enzymes, which depends on phagocytosis, may lead to destruction of the extracellular matrix with the consequence of degradation and restitution. Also the transcellular signaling or cell-matrix-interaction may finally result in development of fibrosis. However the proteolytic effect of elastase and collagenase can be inhibited by alpha-2-macroglobulin. Alpha-2-macroglobulin is a protease-inhibitor, which is synthesized by macrophages and has a wide spectrum of inhibitory abilities. Our interest was focused on observation of the production of alpha-2-macroglobulin by alveolar macrophages after stimulation with inorganic dusts of different chemical and physical properties. Rat alveolar macrophages were isolated by bronchoalveolar lavage and exposed to crocidolite, quarz or welder steam dust in vitro. The expression and secretion of alpha-2-macroglobulin was examined by non radioactive in situ hybridization, indirect immunofluorescence and radial immunodiffusion according to Mancini. The stimulated rat alveolar macrophages showed an increased expression of alpha-2-macroglobulin-mRNA and also an enhanced synthesis of alpha-2-macroglobulin-protein. Besides only small differences between the substances used for stimulation were demonstrated.