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Changes in tumor necrosis factor in postpneumonectomy lung growth
B A Dubaybo1, G Bayasi, G J Rubeiz
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Detroit, Mich, USA.
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Lung growth after surgery is uniform, suggesting regulation by humoral factors. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is produced and bound to the lung, potentially driving this postpneumonectomy lung growth.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Postpneumonectomy lung growth is a complex regenerative process.
- The role of specific cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in this process is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in production and binding of TNF-α during lung growth after pneumonectomy in rats.
- To determine if TNF-α plays a role in regulating uniform lung growth among different lobes.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent left lung resection and were analyzed at 3, 7, and 14 days post-surgery.
- Measurements included lung volume, weight, DNA synthesis, and tyrosine kinase activity.
- TNF-α levels in serum, lavage fluid, and perfusate were quantified using ELISA.
- TNF-α binding to lung homogenates was assessed via immunoblots.
Main Results:
- Lung growth after pneumonectomy was uniform across all lobes.
- Serum TNF-α increased post-surgery but returned to baseline by day 14.
- Lavage fluid TNF-α remained elevated, and its binding to lung tissue gradually increased.
- No significant change in TNF-α was observed in the perfusate.
Conclusions:
- Lung growth following pneumonectomy is a uniform process, suggesting regulation by systemic or humoral factors.
- The sustained presence and increased binding of TNF-α in lung lavage fluid indicate its potential involvement as a humoral factor in postpneumonectomy lung regeneration.