Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Culturing of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells at the Air Liquid Interface
Published on: October 9, 2013
Histochemical properties of the respiratory tract epithelium in different species
Abstract:
The comparative composition of secretory components and cell surface moieties is described in this review on epithelial cells of the respiratory tract in mouse, rat, and humans. The discussion concerns mainly the nature of the carbohydrate-rich secretory substances and glycocalyx components present in the various types of epithelial cells in the 3 species. Older methods for characterizing acid groups and vicinal glycols of the complex carbohydrates and more recent methods for identifying specific terminal and internal sugars with labeled lectins are outlined, including techniques for both light and electron microscopic examination. Knowledge derived from the application of these methods is detailed for the surface glycocalyx of secretory cells lining the proximal and distal airways and alveoli, as well as for the glycocalyx of ciliated cells and membranous pneumocytes in each species. Histochemically derived knowledge of the composition of substances in secretory granules of surface epithelial cells is also summarized. The review concerns as well the nature of secretory products in serous and mucous cells of the glands in the lamina propria of trachea and bronchi. The available data delineate major differences between serous cell secretions compared with mucous cell secretions as well as differences between species for each cell type. In addition, ABO blood group dependent differences have been demonstrated in the human glands.
More Related Videos
08:42Isolating Bronchial Epithelial Cells from Resected Lung Tissue for Biobanking and Establishing Well-Differentiated Air-Liquid Interface Cultures
Published on: May 26, 2023
07:40Determining Ciliary Function and Membrane Impermeability of the Pseudostratified Lung Airway Epithelium
Published on: February 21, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Simple Epithelium
Because of the thinness of the cells, simple squamous epithelium is present where the rapid passage of chemical compounds is observed. For example, the endothelium that lines the capillaries and vessels...
The Bronchial Tree
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract