Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the maturation of pulmonary epithelial cells in human fetal lungs at 21 weeks' gestation. Eight fetuses at 21 weeks' gestation were evaluated. The maturation of pulmonary epithelial cells was assessed by immunohistochemical examination for surfactant proteins and by electron microscopy. Surfactant protein B mature peptide was detected slightly in the epithelial lining of the bronchioles, but was totally absent in the terminal airways. Surfactant protein B proprotein was clearly detected in the epithelial lining of both bronchioles and terminal airways. Transmission electron microscopy of terminal airway cells showed abundant glycogen granules and few intracellular organelles. The production of mature surfactant protein B in terminal airways is scarce at 21 weeks' gestation, which is associated with the immature mechanism of proprotein processing in the cytoplasm.
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Schedule a callMore From: Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
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