Human nasal and bronchial epithelial cells in culture: an overview of their characteristics and function

Our studies have demonstrated it is possible to culture both human nasal and bronchial epithelial cells to confluency under similar conditions in vitro. These cells are similar morphologically, histologically, and functionally and resemble the cells in vivo. Studies of ciliary activity demonstrate that these cells react toward various agonist and antagonist agents in a similar manner as the cells reported in vivo and consequently will prove to be a valuable model for the evaluation of various therapeutic agents used in the management of infective lung diseases. Similarly studies on the effect of histamine have demonstrated that histamine probably does lead to an increase in bronchial epithelial permeability in vivo and that this effect is likely to be mediated via stimulation of H-1 receptors. Again this could be of clinical relevance when formulating appropriate therapy. The finding that human tracheal and nasal epithelial cells in culture are capable of synthesizing PGE2 could have important clinical implications because this compound is thought to be a putative epithelium-derived relaxing factor. Although this finding awaits confirmation, similar studies with bronchial epithelial cells in vitro would provide a useful tool for study of the function of the bronchial epithelium and its role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.