Week 4 - Pulmonary Fibrosis

Question 1

How does fibrosis occur in the lungs?

Answer 1

Irritants cause an inflammatory response.

Mediators - IL-6, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a).

Inflammatory response - WBC’s (macrophages, T lymphocytes, neutrophil)

Fibrosis occurs via - fibroblast recruitment, activation and proliferation. Collagen synthesis at damaged area.

EXM accumulation, fibroblast turning into Myofibroblast (strong fibroblast)

Question 2

What cytokine plays a big role in fibrosis?

Answer 2

TGF-beta is a cytokine that promotes healing. Overactive TGF-beta can lead to excessive scarring.