Fig. 7

Examination of transforming growth factor (TGF) β signaling in the lung. Results of the high-concentration intermittent inhalation experiment. The level of TGFβ1 (A) and TGFβ2 (B) in the BALF are shown. Schematic diagram of the alveoli after CD68-phospho-Smad3-lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) triple staining (C): macrophages and alveolar epithelial type 2 cells (AEC2) were stained green and red, respectively, and alveolar epithelial type 1 cells (AEC1) and interstitial cells, including both fibroblast and endothelial cells, were not stained. Representative immunohistochemical staining images are shown in panel D. Nuclear phospho-Smad3 positive indexes of AEC2 (E), AEC1 (F), macrophage (G) and interstitial cells (H) are shown as bar graphs. Statistical significance was analyzed using Dunnett’s multiple comparison test: **p < 0.01 and ***p < 0.001 versus controls. NE not examined, NS not significant, SUR lesion-surrounding tissues, BAHyp bronchiolo-alveolar hyperplasia