Identification of Plasma Coagulation Factor XIII, Transglutaminase 3 and N epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine cross-Link in the Silicotic Nodule by Immunohistochemistry / 대한산업의학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to examine the immunohistochemical distribution of TGase 1, 2, 3, coagulation factor XIII and N epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine cross-link in the silicotic nodules formed after an intratracheal instillation of the silica. METHODS: The immunohistochemical examinations used antibodies against TGase 1, 2, 3, coagulation factor XIII and N epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine isopeptide in the silicotic nodules induced after an intratracheal instillation of 50 mg of size fractionated, crystalline silica. RESULTS: A high level of TGase 3 was related to the severity of fibrosis in silicotic nodules and extracellular coagulation factor XIII was detected around the nodules. Expressions of both membrane-bound TGase 1 and TGase 2 were barely detected in the nodules although high expressions were detected in the intact lung. Formation of N epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine cross-links was increased in severe fibrotic nodules. CONCLUSIONS: TGase 3 might contribute to the eventual stone-like fibrosis via formation of N epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine cross-links. Futhermore, coagulation factor XIII plays a role in the formation of a provisional matrix which results in fibrogenesis during silicotic nodule formation.