Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Generation of Lymphocytic Microparticles and Detection of their Proapoptotic Effect on Airway Epithelial Cells
09:26

Generation of Lymphocytic Microparticles and Detection of their Proapoptotic Effect on Airway Epithelial Cells

Published on: February 20, 2015

Apoptosis of airway epithelial cells in response to meconium

Alexander Zagariya1, Rama Bhat, Gopal Chari

  • 1Neonatology Laboratories, Department of Pediatrics, Michael Reese Hospital, and Division of Neonatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 804 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. zagariya@uic.edu

Life Sciences
|February 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) causes lung inflammation and cell death in newborns. This study reveals apoptosis in airway epithelial cells as a key mechanism, suggesting therapeutic targets for MAS.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pulmonary Pathology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a frequent complication in newborns, but its underlying mechanisms, particularly lung cell death, remain incompletely understood.
  • MAS is characterized by a significant inflammatory response in the lungs, leading to widespread cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism of lung cell death, specifically apoptosis, following meconium aspiration in a neonatal rabbit model.
  • To identify the specific lung cell types affected by meconium-induced apoptosis and explore potential therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

  • Apoptosis was studied in two-week-old rabbit pups after meconium instillation using In Situ End Labeling (ISEL)-DNA end labeling.
  • Lung tissue samples were analyzed for apoptotic bodies, cell morphology, and expression of angiotensinogen mRNA and Caspase-3.
  • A549 lung cells in culture were used to confirm findings and test the efficacy of a Caspase-3 inhibitor (ZVAD-fmk).

Main Results:

  • Meconium aspiration led to the widespread distribution of apoptotic bodies in the lungs of rabbit pups.
  • Airway epithelial cells showed a higher rate of apoptosis (approximately 70%) compared to alveolar cells (approximately 20%) eight hours post-instillation.
  • Increased angiotensinogen mRNA and Caspase-3 expression were observed in meconium-treated lungs and A549 cells, with Caspase-3 inhibition reducing cell death.

Conclusions:

  • Meconium instillation induces apoptosis in lung airway epithelial cells and A549 cells.
  • Apoptosis of lung airway epithelial cells is a critical component in the pathophysiology of MAS.
  • Targeting airway epithelial cell apoptosis may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for managing MAS.

More Related Videos

Determining Ciliary Function and Membrane Impermeability of the Pseudostratified Lung Airway Epithelium07:40

Determining Ciliary Function and Membrane Impermeability of the Pseudostratified Lung Airway Epithelium

Published on: February 21, 2025

In Vitro Model for Studying Differentiation and Changes of Multi-Omics on Murine Airway Epithelial Cells Stimulated with Cigarette Smoke Extract09:07

In Vitro Model for Studying Differentiation and Changes of Multi-Omics on Murine Airway Epithelial Cells Stimulated with Cigarette Smoke Extract

Published on: July 12, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia01:24

Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia

DysplasiaDysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of mature cells, characterized by pleomorphism, nuclear abnormalities, and increased mitotic activity. It commonly affects epithelial tissues, including the cervix, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory mucosa, and endometrium. Although it may occur alongside hyperplasia, dysplasia is not a true adaptive response but a preneoplastic change with potential to progress to cancer.When confined above the basement...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Breathing01:05

Breathing

The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...