An In Vitro Model for Polymorphonuclear-Leukocyte-lnduced Injury to an Extracellular Matrix

Alteration of the extracellular matrix by inflammatory cells is believed to be important in both lung injury and the subsequent restoration of lung architecture. Here we describe the results of the interaction between an acellular human amnionic membrane model and stimulated human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in vitro. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil suspensions were placed on one surface of the amnion, and either the chemotactic peptide FMLP or the cell membrane activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was placed on the opposite side of the amnion. Stroma and basement membrane sides of the amnion were separately exposed to the PMN. The PMN suspension was removed and centrifuged, and the supernatant was assayed for superoxide anion and for elastase activity. Injury to the acellular amnion was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy and by measurement of fibronectin (FN) released from the membrane matrix. Although both stimulants cause a concentration-dependent release of , only PMA stimulated e...