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Proinflammatory cytokines in hypersensitivity pneumonitis
1Pulmonary Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) involves high levels of inflammatory cytokines macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) released by lung cells. Treatments like corticosteroid therapy can reduce these cytokine levels in HP patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated lung disease.
- Proinflammatory cytokines play a key role in HP pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synthesis and release of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in HP.
- To determine the role of these cytokines in attracting inflammatory cells to the lungs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of alveolar macrophages and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from HP patients and controls.
- Immunohistochemistry to detect cytokine expression in lung tissue.
- Assessment of T-lymphocyte attraction by macrophage supernatants.
Main Results:
- Alveolar macrophages from acute HP subjects released significantly higher levels of MIP-1 alpha and IL-8 compared to controls.
- MIP-1 alpha and IL-8 were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of HP patients.
- Corticosteroid treatment reduced MIP-1 alpha and IL-8 synthesis.
- Macrophage supernatants attracted CD8+ T lymphocytes, an effect inhibited by anti-MIP-1 alpha.
Conclusions:
- MIP-1 alpha and IL-8 are key proinflammatory cytokines in HP.
- These cytokines contribute to HP by attracting inflammatory cells, including CD8+ T lymphocytes and neutrophils, into the airways.