Expression of heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in the respiratory tract and lungs of fire victims.

Immunohistochemical investigation of the respiratory tract and lungs of 63 fire victims revealed a statistically significant enhanced expression of heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in the epiglottis, the trachea, and the main and the peripheral bronchi compared with a control group. In the fire victims, a strong expression of Hsp70 was discernible not only particularly in the vessels but also in seromucous secretory cells, ciliated epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and alveolar cells. The results suggest a vital or supravital reaction due to the inhalation of hot fire fumes.