Abstract
Objective. - To evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in the pathogenesis of the lesions of pulmonary Langerhans' cell granulomatosis. Design. - Immunohistochemical and confocal microscopic studies were made of lung biopsy specimens from five patients with pulmonary Langerhans' cell granulomatosis. Results. - The reactivity of Langerhans' cells was moderate to intense for MMP-2, weaker for MMP-9, and faint for TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Type IV collagen colocalized with MMP-2 in areas of damage to epithelial basement membranes, a finding that emphasizes the potential importance of this enzyme in the pathogenesis of the destructive lesions of pulmonary Langerhans' cell granulomatosis. In the more advanced fibrotic lesions, TIMP-2 colocalized with basement membranes and with fibrillar collagen, suggesting that it contributes to the permanence of the fibrosis. Conclusion. - These results indicate an important role for MMPs and TIMPs in pulmonary Langerhans' cell granulomatosis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 930-937 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine |
Volume | 121 |
Issue number | 9 |
State | Published - Sep 1 1997 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Medical Laboratory Technology