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A Standardized Method for Measuring Internal Lung Surface Area via Mouse Pneumonectomy and Prosthesis Implantation
Published on: July 26, 2017
Alveolar epithelial dynamics in postpneumonectomy lung growth
Kenji Chamoto1, Barry C Gibney, Maximilian Ackermann
1Laboratory of Adaptive and Regenerative Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)
|February 15, 2013
Summary
Following pneumonectomy, alveolar Type II cells increase in number and express angiogenesis and growth genes, suggesting their active role in lung repair and alveolar angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- The alveolus features close epithelial-endothelial cell interactions, implying coordinated responses during lung regeneration.
- Post-pneumonectomy lung growth involves complex cellular dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alveolar Type II and Type I cell population dynamics after pneumonectomy.
- To determine the contribution of alveolar epithelial cells to alveolar angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Alveolar Type II cells were isolated using flow cytometry (CD45(-), MHC class II(+), phosphine(+)).
- A wild type/GFP parabiotic model was used to assess cell origins.
- Gene expression analysis focused on angiogenesis, inflammation, and epithelial growth markers.
Main Results:
- Alveolar Type II cell numbers increased post-pneumonectomy, preceding Type I cell increases.
- Minimal contribution (<3%) of blood-borne cells to alveolar epithelium was observed.
- Type II cells exhibited active transcription of angiogenesis-related genes, with significant upregulation of 10 genes by Day 7.
- Expression of inflammation (Ccl2, Cxcl2, Ifng) and epithelial growth (Ereg, Lep) genes was noted in Type II cells.
Conclusions:
- Alveolar Type II cells play an active role in post-pneumonectomy lung growth.
- Local alveolar Type II cells contribute to alveolar angiogenesis and lung repair processes.
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