Abstract
Purpose: The mechanism by which alveolar macrophages increase in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is still unknown. CD163, CD204 and CD206 are known to be markers of M2 macrophages, which are a specific macrophage phenotype. We investigated the expression of CD163, CD204 and CD206 on alveolar macrophages in COPD patients.
Methods: Immunohistochemical techniques were used to examine CD163, CD204 and CD206 expression on alveolar macrophages in the lungs of COPD patients, smokers and non-smokers.
Results: The numbers of alveolar macrophages in COPD patients were significantly greater in smoked and non-smokers. The numbers and percentages of CD163+, CD204+ or CD206+ alveolar macrophages in patients with COPD at GOLD stages III and IV were significantly higher than in those at GOLD stages I and II, and those in smokers and non-smokers.
Conclusion: Overproduction of CD163, CD204 and CD206 on alveolar macrophages in the lungs may be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD.
- © 2014 ERS