Vitronectin Protects Alveolar Macrophages from Silica Toxicity

摘要

Silicosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide. Current concepts suggest that a crucial step in the development of silicosis is silica - induced injury of alveo - lar macrophages (AM). The adhesive protein vitronectin is a natu - ral constituent of the lung, in which its function is largely unex - plored. This study investigated a possible role for vitronectin in protecting AM from silica exposure. In this study, the concentra - tion of vitronectin was shown to be increased in the bronchoalve - olar lavage fluid of silica - treated rats.