Regulation of α1-antichymortrypsin synthesis in cells of epithelial origin

Oncostatin M, interleukin-1 and the glucocorticoid analog, dexamethasone, have been identified as potent stimulators of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin production in various cells of epithelial origin. Although being able to act individually, these factors exerted a dramatic increase in alpha 1-antichymotrypsin synthesis when administrated in combination. Their stimulatory effect was independent of the levels of constitutive synthesis of this inhibitor, which was already high in lung- and breast- and low in skin-derived epithelial cells. Since alpha 1-antichymotrypsin controls chymotrypsin-like proteinases which are released during inflammation, these data support the concept that local synthesis of this inhibitor may be important in reducing tissue damage associated with this process.