Matrix Metalloproteinase expression and production by alveolar macrophages in Emphysema

摘要

The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that alveolar macrophages represent a signifi- cant source of matrix-degrading proteinases in the emphysematous lung. Macrophages from bron- choalveolar lavage fluid of 10 patients with emphysema and 10 normal volunteers were maintained in vitro for 24 h and assessed semiquantitatively for mRNA transcript levels of the matrix metallopro- teinases (MMPs) gelatinases A and B, macrophage metalloelastase (MME), and interstitial collage- nase.