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Neutrophils, Neutrophil Elastase and the Fragile Lung: The Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies Relating to Lung Derangement in the Common Hereditary Lung Disorders

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Biochemistry of Pulmonary Emphysema

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Rehabilitation ((CURRENT REHAB))

Abstract

In the process of being exposed to 6000–10,000 litres of air daily, the respiratory epithelial surface is repeatedly exposed to microorganisms, inorganic and organic particulates, gases, fumes and aerosols. To help defend itself, the lung has available a variety of mechanisms that can recruit inflammatory cells, particularly blood neutrophils. However while effective in killing microorganisms, the neutrophil is a dangerous “two-edged sword”, with a variety of potent mediators capable of injuring normal tissues .1 The lung is particularly vulnerable to these neutrophil mediators, as it is very fragile, with tissues that are easily destroyed and difficult to repair.2 The most dangerous neutrophil mediator is neutrophil elastase (NE), a 29 kDa serine protease capable of destroying most components of the extracellular matrix of the alveolar walls.1,3 In addition, NE can injure the bronchial epithelium and interfere with respiratory host defence by altering mucociliary clearance mechanisms and interfering with the ability of inflammatory cells to kill microorganisms.3–5

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

    N. G. McElvaney, P. Birrer, L. M. Chang-Stroman & R. G. Crystal

Authors
  1. N. G. McElvaney
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  2. P. Birrer
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  3. L. M. Chang-Stroman
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  4. R. G. Crystal
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Phthisiology and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS San Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy

    C. Grassi  & M. Luisetti  & 

  2. Department of Biochemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    J. Travis

  3. Postgraduate School of Respiratory Diseases, University of Pavia, Italy

    L. Casali

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© 1992 Springer-Verlag London

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McElvaney, N.G., Birrer, P., Chang-Stroman, L.M., Crystal, R.G. (1992). Neutrophils, Neutrophil Elastase and the Fragile Lung: The Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies Relating to Lung Derangement in the Common Hereditary Lung Disorders. In: Grassi, C., Travis, J., Casali, L., Luisetti, M. (eds) Biochemistry of Pulmonary Emphysema. Current Topics in Rehabilitation. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3771-9_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3771-9_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-3773-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-3771-9

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