EVIDENCE THAT ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES CAN SYNTHESIZE AND SECRETE ALPHA-1-ANTICHYMOTRYPSIN

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Abstract
.alpha.1-Antichymotrypsin (.alpha.1-AC) is a protein that inhibits chymotrypsin-like proteinases, such as leukocyte cathepsin G. It also inhibits cytotoxic killer cell activity in vitro and may be important for the control of immunologic and inflammatory processes in the lung. .alpha.1-AC is present in lung secretions at high concentrations, suggesting local production within the lung. To determine if alveolar macrophages are capable of synthesizing and secreting .alpha.1-AC, human alveolar macrophages were cultured in the presence of L-75Se selenomethionine, and the culture supernatants were examined by immunoelectrophoresis followed by autoradiography. The radio-amino acid was incorporated into .alpha.1-AC, suggesting de novo synthesis of the protein. Cycloheximide inhibited incorporation of the label. Immunohistochemical staining of human lung tissue for .alpha.1-AC showed the protein to be present within alveolar macrophages.

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