Summary and Synthesis of Part IV. Synthesis and Release of Mediators (A)

This session permitted outlining several groups of mediators which are released by lung cells in vivo or in vitro and could play a role in the modulation of inflammatory processes and fibrosis due to mineral dust. In his report (not available for publication), W. Rom has documented that patients exposed to asbestos, coal or silica have morphologically abnormal macrophages which are activated and secrete excessively two fibroblast growth factors, fibronectin and the alveolar macrophage-derived growth factor. These mediators may play a role in the development of pneumoconiosis.