Respiratory epithelium

About: Respiratory epithelium is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 5048 publications have been published within this topic receiving 222304 citations. The topic is also known as: respiratory tract epithelium & Respiratory Mucosa.

The Epithelium as a Target of Glucocorticoid Action in the Treatment of Asthma

Abstract: Bronchial asthma can be a chronic and debilitating respiratory disease. Increasing evidence suggests that airway epithelial cells and their products may in part be responsible for the establishment and/or maintenance of the bronchial inflammation that occurs in chronic asthma. Although inhaled glucocorticoids are among the most effective therapies in the treatment of this disease, the molecular mechanisms by which steroids attenuate chronic asthma remain unclear. Important among steroid effects is the inhibitition of the activation and recruitment of inflammatory cells and the release of chemical and cytokine mediators of inflammation. The pleiotropic actions of glucocorticoids most likely account for their widespread efficacy and use in the treatment of chronic asthma. Prominent among the cellular targets of topical steroids are airway epithelial cells. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the role of airway epithelium in chronic asthma and how glucocorticoids modulate epithelial function.

Histopathological effects of cadmium on the gills of the freshwater fish, Macropsobrycon uruguayanae Eigenmann (Pisces, Atherinidae)

Abstract: Evaluations of histopathological lesions in gill tissue were carried out in the freshwater fish Macropsobrycon uruguayanae following 30 and 60 days of exposure to 1.5 mg 1-1 of cadmium. The study was conducted on both fed and starved animals in order to determine the influence of feeding condition on cadmium toxicity. The main lesions observed and quantified were: (1) hyperplasia of primary lamellar epithelium; (2) hyperplasia of secondary lamellar epithelium; (3) separation of respiratory epithelium; (4) shortening of secondary lamellae; (5) epithelial necrosis; (6) fusion of adjacent secondary lamellae; (7) hypertrophy of respiratory epithelium; (8) lamellar telangiectasis; (9) hyperplasia of chloride cells; (10) mucinous metaplasia; and (11) inflammatory infiltration. Lesions 6, 8, 9 and 11 were only induced by exposure to cadmium, while lesion 4 could be produced only by starvation. Starved fish also showed a reduction in total body weight and length. Lesion 2 was shown to be non-specific, and produced by either cadmium, starvation or even exposure time. The possible mode of action of the experimental factors are discussed in relation to the observed pathologies.

Airway epithelial cell signaling in response to bacterial pathogens.

Abstract: The airway epithelium represents a primary site for the introduction and deposition of potentially pathogenic microorganisms into the body, through inspired air. The epithelial mucosa is an important component of the innate immune system that recognizes conserved structures in microorganisms and initiates appropriate signaling to recruit and activate phagocytic cells to the airways. This review focuses on how airway epithelial cells sense and respond to the presence of bacterial pathogens. The major signaling cascades initiated by epithelial receptors that lead to phagocyte recruitment to the airways as well as the ability of the epithelium to regulate inflammation are discussed.

Activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 protects airway epithelium against oxidant-induced barrier dysfunction

Abstract: The respiratory epithelium forms an important barrier against inhaled pollutants and microorganisms, and its barrier function is often compromised during inflammatory airway diseases. Epithelial ac...

Tissue engineering and the use of stem/progenitor cells for airway epithelium repair.

Abstract: Stem/progenitor cells can be used to repair defects in the airway wall, resulting from e.g., tumors, trauma, tissue reactions following long-time intubations, or diseases that are associated with epithelial damage. Several potential sources of cells for airway epithelium have been identified. These can be divided into two groups. The first group consists of endogenous progenitor cells present in the respiratory tract. This group can be subdivided according to location into (a) a ductal cell type in the submucosal glands of the proximal trachea, (b) basal cells in the intercartilaginous zones of the lower trachea and bronchi, (c) variant Clara cells (Clara v-cells) in the bronchioles and (d) at the junctions between the bronchioles and the alveolar ducts, and (e) alveolar type II cells. This classification of progenitor cell niches is, however, controversial. The second group consists of exogenous stem cells derived from other tissues in the body. This second group can be subdivided into: (a) embryonic stem (ES) cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, or amniotic fluid stem cells, (b) side-population cells from bone marrow or epithelial stem cells present in bone marrow or circulation and (c) fat-derived mesenchymal cells. Airway epithelial cells can be co-cultured in a system that includes a basal lamina equivalent, extracellular factors from mesenchymal fibroblasts, and in an air-liquid interface system. Recently, spheroid-based culture systems have been developed. Several clinical applications have been suggested: cystic fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary hypertension. Clinical applications so far are few, but include subglottic stenosis, tracheomalacia, bronchiomalacia, and emphysema.