Distribution and Expression of Lysozyme in Trachea of Normal Rat / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Airway mucosa is protected by several complex of defense mechanisms, namely mucociliary clearance, immunoglobulins, cellular components, and antibacterial secretary enzymes. In particular, lysozymes, also known as muramidase, are important components of innate immunity against pathogens at mucosal surfaces. Trachea mucosa is mainly protected by mucociliary clearance, and recently, lysozymes are also known to be in the trachea tissues. The purpose of this study is to identify the distribution and expression of lysozymes in the trachea of normal rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Tra-cheas were collected from male Wistar-kyoto rats. The expression level and distribution of mRNA of lysozyme were analyzed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Western blot assessed and confirmed the expression of lysozyme. RESULTS: The expression of mRNA of lysozyme in trachea was observed. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that lysozyme was expressed in the epithelium and the submucosal serous gland. Western blot was detected at the molecular weight of 14 kDa. CONCLUSION: We identified the distribution and expression of lysozymes in the trachea of normal rats. The result suggests that innate immunity such as that played by lysozymes is an important component of defense mechanisms along with mucociliary clearance.