Nuclear localisation of p65 in sputum macrophages but not in sputum neutrophils during COPD exacerbations

Abstract

Background: Exacerbations represent an important feature of the clinical manifestation and natural history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nuclear localisation of p65 is a signal of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. A study was undertaken to evaluate whether NF-κB activation is modified in sputum cells during COPD exacerbations. Methods: Total and nuclear p65 immunoreactivity was measured by immunocytochemistry in the sputum cells of 11 smokers with moderate COPD during an exacerbation and after 6–8 weeks of clinical stability. Results: Total sputum cell count was significantly increased during exacerbations from a median (IQR) of 880 (510–1865) to 1914.5 (1065–3205) × 10³/ml (pConclusions: NF-κB appears to be activated in sputum macrophages but not in sputum neutrophils during exacerbations of COPD