Abstract
Objectives: Injury causes the disruption of homeostatic cell-cell interactions and epithelial regeneration is part of the threshold response. Due to the lack of a good animal model for the investigation of these mechanisms, the kinetics of cell proliferation after injury to the human respiratory tract are poorly understood. Methods: To create a better model of human bronchioloalveolar epithelial regeneration, we engrafted adult human lung tissue into nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice. Then the lung tissue was studied at various times up to 20 weeks after implantation. Results: The xenografts of bronchiolar epithelium showed characteristic features, including positivity for specific human antigens, and extensive regeneration was observed within 8 weeks after implantation. In addition, a few alveolar type II epithelial cells expressing prosurfactant protein C were detected in some areas. The distal alveolar spaces were filled with protein-rich material and were markedly dilated. Abundantly ciliated secretory epithelium, which was similar to normal adult bronchiolar epithelium, was observed within 16 weeks after implantation in the mice. All of the human lung tissue specimens that were implanted subcutaneously into the backs of the mice developed well and remained viable for 20 weeks. Each type of adult human lung epithelial cell showed a different mode of proliferation. Bronchiolar epithelial cells proliferated earlier, with MIB-1 labeling of up to 20% of the cells in the grafts at 8 weeks, while alveolar type II cells proliferated later, with labeling of up to 5% of graft cells at 12 weeks. Conclusion: This model seems to allow adult human lung epithelial regeneration to be investigated in vivo over the long term.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.