Morphologic and immunohistochemical studies at the electron microscopic level were made of elastic fibers in lung of four patients with pulmonary emphysema. Abnormal elastic fibers were observed which were interpreted as resulting from: 1) hydrolytic damage by elastase and 2) abnormal synthesis of new elastic fibers in areas of pulmonary remodeling. These observations emphasize the critical importance of alterations of elastic fibers in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01HL003992-01
Application #
3879029
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code