Measurement of cross-linked elastin synthesis in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis using a highly sensitive assay for desmosine and isodesmosine

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1984 · J. Lab. Clin. Med.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6966199

Cantor, J O; Osman, M; Keller, S; Cerreta, J M; Mandl, I; Turino, G M

Cross-linked elastin synthesis was measured in the intratracheal bleomycin model of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis by incorporation of 14C-lysine into the elastin-specific crosslinks, desmosine and isodesmosine. Detection of the labeled crosslinks was facilitated by development of a highly sensitive assay utilizing thin-layer electrophoresis. The results indicate that crosslinked elastin synthesis is significantly elevated from controls (p less than 0.05) at 1 to 3 weeks after exposure to bleomycin and returns to normal by 5 weeks. The increases in labeled elastin synthesis are not directly related to changes in either total lung protein synthesis or the pool size of the 14C-lysine. In comparison with collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in this model of lung injury, maximal increases in cross-linked elastin formation occur later, but overlap with the elevated synthesis of these other connective tissue components. The marked increase from normal in cross-linked elastin synthesis in this model suggests that this tissue component is an important part of the fibrotic response of the pulmonary parenchyma and may play a role in the observed alterations in lung structure and function.

• Research Organization: College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
• OSTI ID: 6966199
• Journal Information: J. Lab. Clin. Med.; (United States), Vol. 103:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
PROTEINS
BIOSYNTHESIS
BLEOMYCIN
CARBON 14 COMPOUNDS
CROSS-LINKING
FIBROSIS
LUNGS
TRACER TECHNIQUES
ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS
ANTIBIOTICS
ANTIMITOTIC DRUGS
ANTINEOPLASTIC DRUGS
BODY
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DRUGS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
POLYMERIZATION
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SYNTHESIS
550201* - Biochemistry- Tracer Techniques