ABSTRACT
Bleomycin lung injury in mice leads to an acute alveolitis followed by a fibroproliferative response characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix. Because distinct regions of the fibrin(ogen) molecule have unique in vitro biological effects on cells, we quantified, localized, and biochemically characterized the molecular form of extravascular fibrin(ogen) in methoxyflurane anesthetized, bleomycin-injured mice. Bleomycin or saline (controls) was administered intratracheally, and lung tissue was harvested and analyzed at several times thereafter. Immunoreactive fibrin tissue content increased to a maximal 50-fold over controls in a temporal and spatial pattern paralleling that of alveolitis and maximal fibroproliferation. The generation of gamma-gamma-chain dimers and alpha-chain polymers, together with the loss of free alpha- and gamma-chains, indicates that the fibrin is predominantly covalently cross-linked. In fibroproliferative-phase lungs, the fibrin fibrils are branched and colocalize with those of collagen at the electron microscopic level. These observations strongly suggest that fibrin is a significant molecular effector of the in vivo fibroproliferative response after lung injury.
Subject(s)
Bleomycin , Fibrinogen/metabolism , Lung Diseases/chemically induced , Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism , Animals , Fibrin/chemistry , Fibrin/metabolism , Fibrinogen/chemistry , Immunoenzyme Techniques , Lung Diseases/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Molecular Weight , Pulmonary Fibrosis/chemically inducedABSTRACT
Tissue-glue stands out by virtue of its ability to ensure non-traumatic tissue apposition and hemostasis, leading to a reduction in operative time. This explains the use of this technique in a wide range of indications in gynecological endoscopy. These include ovarian reconstruction after the extraction of cysts, tubal anastomoses and even closure of iatrogenic perforations of the uterus. In these indications, the application of tissue-glue can be considered as the method of choice because of its excellent long term results. In contrast, its effect in the sealing of peritoneal or serosal defects with the aim of avoiding adhesions has not yet been clearly demonstrated. Analysis of a sufficient number of cases with long follow-up is essential before any final assessment can be made. Among 75 instances of endoscopic use of tissue-glue up to now, we have never encountered any post-operative complications, nor during subsequent follow-up. In addition to its ability to stimulate tissue healing, tissue-glue offers a simple and non-traumatic alternative to the lengthy technique of endoscopic sutures, with a hemostatic action in parallel.