Neurotrophin and Neurotrophin Receptor Expression in Alveolar Macrophages: An Immunocytochemical Study

Abstract Alveolar macrophages play a crucial role in regulating lung immune responses and in maintaining the integrity of the respiratory tract. Neurotrophins (NTs), besides to their neurotrophic activities, exhibit physiological effects in the immune system. In this study, nerve growth factor (NGF)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Growth factors (Chur, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2000, Vol.18 (3), p.193-202
Main Authors: Ricci, Alberto, Greco, Stefania, Mariotta, Salvatore, Felici, Laura, Amenta, Francesco, Bronzetti, Elena
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - metabolism
Female
human
Humans
immunocytochemistry
Immunohistochemistry
In Vitro Techniques
lung
Macrophages
Macrophages, Alveolar - immunology
Macrophages, Alveolar - metabolism
Male
Middle Aged
Nerve Growth Factor - metabolism
Nerve Growth Factors - metabolism
Neurotrophin 3 - metabolism
neurotrophins
Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor
Receptor, trkA - metabolism
Receptor, trkB - metabolism
Receptor, trkC - metabolism
receptors
Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor - metabolism
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Summary:Abstract Alveolar macrophages play a crucial role in regulating lung immune responses and in maintaining the integrity of the respiratory tract. Neurotrophins (NTs), besides to their neurotrophic activities, exhibit physiological effects in the immune system. In this study, nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NT-3 and low- (p75) and high affinity (Trks) NT receptors were investigated by immunocytochemistry in cytospin centrifuged preparations of human alveolar macrophages. Approximately 2.5% alveolar macrophages were immunoreactive for NGF, whereas no macrophages displaying immunoreactivity for BDNF or NT-3 were observed. A 3.5% macrophages displayed immunoreactivity for TrkA-receptor protein, 10% for TrkB-receptor protein (full length isoform), and 2% for TrkC-receptor protein. No low-affinity p75 NT and TrkB[-] truncated isoform receptor immunoreactive macrophages were found. These findings support the hypothesis that NTs and the corresponding receptors may play a role in regulating immunological and functional activity of alveolar macrophages via paracrine/autocrine mechanisms.
ISSN:0897-7194
1029-2292
DOI:10.3109/08977190009003244