Three-dimensional characterization of fibroblast foci in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the fibroblast focus is a key histological feature representing active fibroproliferation. On standard 2D pathologic examination, fibroblast foci are considered small, distinct lesions, although they have been proposed to form a highly interconnected reticulum as the leading edge of a "wave" of fibrosis. Here, we characterized fibroblast focus morphology and interrelationships in 3D using an integrated micro-CT and histological methodology. In 3D, fibroblast foci were morphologically complex structures, with large variations in shape and volume (range, 1.3 × 10(4) to 9.9 × 10(7) μm(3)). Within each tissue sample numerous multiform foci were present, ranging from a minimum of 0.9 per mm(3) of lung tissue to a maximum of 11.1 per mm(3) of lung tissue. Each focus was an independent structure, and no interconnections were observed. Together, our data indicate that in 3D fibroblast foci form a constellation of heterogeneous structures with large variations in shape and volume, suggesting previously unrecognized plasticity. No evidence of interconnectivity was identified, consistent with the concept that foci represent discrete sites of lung injury and repair.
Date Issued
2016-04-21
Date Acceptance
2016-03-15
Citation
JCI Insight, 2016, 1 (5)
ISSN
2379-3708
Publisher
American Society for Clinical Investigation
Journal / Book Title
JCI Insight
Volume
1
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
This work is licensed under
the Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 International License. To view
a copy of this license, visit http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/
by/4.0/.
the Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 International License. To view
a copy of this license, visit http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/
by/4.0/.
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
e86375