Figure 9.

Matrix metalloproteinase-28 (MMP-28) is highly expressed in COPD lungs. Lung tissue sections were obtained from eight non-COPD and nine COPD deidentified samples. Lung slices were stained with an antihuman MMP-28 antibody or isotype control. A–D: In the non-COPD samples, alveolar macrophages (arrows) express MMP-28, and the bronchoepithelium (D and I) most highly expresses MMP-28. E–H: In COPD samples, the alveolar macrophages (arrows) highly express MMP-28, and there is increased expression within the alveolar tissue and post-capillary venules (plus signs). The bronchoepithelium (H) also highly expresses MMP-28 with increased expression in the mucociliary layer along the apical surface of the cells (J). K: Quantification of MMP-28 in lung tissue (excluding airways) demonstrated increased percentage area in COPD tissue. ^∗P < 0.05. Scale bars: 200 μm (A–H); 100 μm (I and J).