Analysis on the co-localization of asbestos bodies and Fas or CD163 expression in asbestos lung tissue by in-air micro-PIXE

Dobashi, Kunio*; Shimizu, Yasuo*; Matsuzaki, Shinichi*; Nagamine, Takeaki*; Sato, Takahiro; Okubo, Takeru; Yokoyama, Akihito; Ishii, Yasuyuki; Kamiya, Tomihiro; Arakawa, Kazuo*; Utsugi, Mitsuyoshi*; Ishizuka, Tamotsu*; Mori, Masatomo*

In-air microparticle-induced X-ray emission (in-air micro-PIXE) analysis is based on irradiation of specimens with a proton ion microbeam, and has been modified for biological application. Two-dimensional analysis and quantitative analysis using the system confirmed that asbestos induced apoptosis by upregulating Fas expression and also revealed the accumulation of CD163-expressing macrophages in the lungs of patients with asbestosis. By quantitative comparison of the area of Fas or CD163 expression and the Fas- or CD163-negative area in asbestos lung tissue, the harmful levels which caused the expression of Fas or CD163 could be estimated on Silica, Ferrous iron, and Magnesium deposition. These results indicate that the system could be very useful for investigating the pathogenesis of inhaled asbestos-induced immune reactions and for determining harmful levels of asbestos.