Tumor necrosis factor-alpha overexpression in lung disease: a single cause behind a complex phenotype.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) has been implicated as a key cytokine in many inflammatory lung diseases. These effects are currently unclear, because a transgenic mouse overexpressing TNF-alpha in the lung has been shown in separate studies to produce elements of both emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.

Objectives

We sought to elucidate the phenotypic effects of TNF-alpha overexpression in a mouse model.

Measurements

We established the phenotype by measuring lung impedance and thoracic gas volume, and using micro-computed tomography and histology.

Main results

We found that airways resistance in this mouse was not different to control mice, but that lung tissue dampening, elastance, and hysteresivity were significantly elevated. Major heterogen

SUBMITTER: Lundblad LK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2718479 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature