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. 2003 Sep;58(9):772–777. doi: 10.1136/thorax.58.9.772

TGF-ß1 causes airway fibrosis and increased collagen I and III mRNA in mice

N Kenyon, R Ward, G McGrew, J Last
PMCID: PMC1746790  PMID: 12947136

Abstract

Methods: BALB/C mice were intratracheally instilled with either TGF-ß1 or buffered saline. Airway fibrosis was assessed by light microscopy, hydroxyproline content, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for collagen I and III on microdissected airway samples. The lysyl oxidase inhibitor ß-aminoproprionitrile (BAPN) was administered to TGF-ß1 treated mice to block airway collagen deposition. Airway hyperresponsiveness was also measured after treatment with TGF-ß1.

Results: During the 7 days after administration of TGF-ß1 the mice developed increased subepithelial collagen which could be blocked by BAPN. Increased mRNAs for collagen types I and III were seen in microdissected airways 1 week after TGF-ß1, and significantly increased total collagen was found in the airways 4 weeks after TGF-ß1. A detectable increase in airway hyperreactivity occurred.

Conclusions: This new model should facilitate detailed study of airway remodelling that occurs in the absence of detectable cellular inflammation, and allow examination of the functional consequences of a major structural alteration in the conducting airways uncomplicated by inflammatory cell influx.

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Selected References

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