TRANSFORMING GROWTH-FACTOR-BETA IN NORMAL HUMAN LUNG - PREFERENTIAL LOCATION IN BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL-CELLS

Background - Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is an immunomo dulatory cytokine regulating the proliferation and differentiation of various cell types. It also contributes to the maintenance of tissue a rchitecture by influencing the production of extracellular matrix comp onents. TGF-beta has been detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid fro m normal human lung, but the nature and distribution of cells containi ng TGF-beta in this organ remain unknown. Methods - Fourteen normal hu man lung specimens were studied by immunohistochemistry with a monoclo nal antibody recognizing TGF-beta(1), TGF-beta(2) and TGF-beta(3). Res ults - TGF-beta was detected in all cases. Bronchial epithelial cells contained the largest amounts of TGF-beta. In these cells the staining was brightest at the apical pole. Macrophages and smooth muscle cells also contained TGF-beta, although less than epithelial cells. No TGF- beta was detected in other cell populations, including endothelial cel ls, fibroblasts, and pneumocytes. Conclusions - The bronchial epitheli al compartment appears to be the main location of TGF-beta in the norm al human lung, suggesting that this cytokine has a pivotal role in the immunological properties of the bronchial mucosa.