Abstract |
The immunohistochemical expression of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and its phosphorylated form (pRb) was investigated in an in vivo sheep model, i.e., lung tissue exposed to asbestos-like fibers. Rb is a phosphoprotein with a central role in controlling the cell cycle, cell growth regulation, differentiation, and apoptosis. pRb functions as a checkpoint in the G(1) phase, favoring cell growth, while the hypophosphorylated form (Rb) not only promotes cell-cycle arrest and a return to the G(1) phase, but also appears to be a key player in most instances of apoptosis. pRb overexpression was detected in alveolar epithelium and the interstitium, especially close to the fluoro-edenite fibers, whereas Rb immunostaining was faint or absent. The data suggest that the altered balance between pRb and Rb expression may be a programmed response to protect the organism against uncontrolled cell proliferation.
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Authors | Giuseppe Musumeci, Carla Loreto, Venera Cardile, Maria Luisa Carnazza, Giuseppina Martinez |
Journal | Anatomical science international
(Anat Sci Int)
Vol. 85
Issue 2
Pg. 74-8
(Jun 2010)
ISSN: 1447-073X [Electronic] Japan |
PMID | 19680741
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Asbestos, Amphibole
- Retinoblastoma Protein
- fluor-edenite
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Topics |
- Animals
- Apoptosis
(drug effects, genetics)
- Asbestos, Amphibole
(toxicity)
- Asbestosis
(etiology, metabolism, pathology)
- Cell Differentiation
(drug effects, genetics)
- Cell Proliferation
(drug effects)
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
(drug effects, metabolism)
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Immunohistochemistry
- Lung Neoplasms
(chemically induced, metabolism, pathology)
- Phosphorylation
(drug effects, physiology)
- Respiratory Mucosa
(drug effects, metabolism, pathology)
- Retinoblastoma Protein
(biosynthesis)
- Sheep, Domestic
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