Role of CD13/Aminopeptidase N in Rat Lymphocytic Alveolitis Caused by Thoracic Irradiation

Abstract Huang, L., Tani, K., Ogushi, F., Ogawa, H., Shimizu, T., Motoki, Y., Moriguchi, H. and Sone, S. Role of CD13/Aminopeptidase N in Rat Lymphocytic Alveolitis Caused by Thoracic Irradiation. Radiat. Res. 157, 191–198 (2002). CD13/aminopeptidase N is a cell surface glycoprotein that is widely distributed in a variety of mammalian cells. It was recently shown to have chemotactic activity for T lymphocytes. This study examined the role of CD13/aminopeptidase N in lymphocytic alveolitis in radiation-induced lung injury caused by a single-dose thoracic irradiation (15 Gy) in rats. Significantly increased aminopeptidase activity was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from irradiated rats at 4 weeks after irradiation compared to the activity in unirradiated rats. Significantly higher aminopeptidase activity was detected on alveolar macrophages from irradiated rats at 2 and 4 weeks than on those from unirradiated rats. Western blot analysis showed an increased expression of CD13/aminopeptidas...