Figure 6
Expression patterns of interleukin (IL)-6 (A-C), and TGF-β (D-F) in small airways, pulmonary vessels, and alveolar parenchyma. In each graph, results are shown as the percentage of total mast cells, and of MCTC and MCT subtypes that are positive for the respective mediator. Data are expressed as medians with interquartile ranges. Statistical differences to never-smoking controls were analysed using Mann-Whitney and asterisks show significant difference where * denotes p < 0.05, ** < 0.01, and *** p < 0.001. Representative micrographs of triple staining of mast cell subtypes and TGF-β (G-I). Arrows indicate tryptase and TGF-β co-localisation and * indicates co-localisation of tryptase, chymase and TGF-β.