REGULATORY ROLE FOR MACROPHAGE-MIGRATION INHIBITORY FACTOR IN ACUTE RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS SYNDROME

Migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is known to exert significant pro-in flammatory effects and has the potential to override the anti-inflamma tory action of glucocorticoids. In this study we have identified signi ficant quantities of MIF in the alveolar airspaces of patients with ac ute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We show in alveolar cells fr om patients with ARDS that MIF augments pro-inflammatory cytokine secr etion (TNF alpha and IL-8), anti-MIF significantly attenuates TNF alph a and IL-8 secretion and MIF overrides, in a concentration-related fas hion, the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids. These findings suggest that MIF may act as a mediator sustaining the pulmonary infla mmatory response in ARDS and that an anti-MIF strategy may represent a novel therapeutic approach in inflammatory diseases such as ARDS.