Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Isolation of Basal Cells and Submucosal Gland Duct Cells from Mouse Trachea
11:52

Isolation of Basal Cells and Submucosal Gland Duct Cells from Mouse Trachea

Published on: September 14, 2012

Telocytes in trachea and lungs

Y Zheng1, H Li, C G Manole

  • 1Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Biomedical Research Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|August 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Researchers discovered a novel type of interstitial cell, telocytes (TC), in mouse trachea and lungs. These cells, identified via microscopy and staining, possess characteristic telopodes (Tp) and express specific markers.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Histology

Background:

  • Telocytes (TC) are a recently identified type of interstitial cell.
  • Their presence and function in the respiratory system, specifically the trachea and lungs, remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and characterize the existence of telocytes (TC) in the mouse trachea and lungs.
  • To elucidate the morphological and molecular features of these cells in the respiratory tract.

Main Methods:

  • Cell culture and phase contrast microscopy to observe cell morphology.
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural analysis.
  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for marker expression (c-kit, vimentin, CD34) and vital staining (Janus Green, MitoTracker) for organelle identification.

Main Results:

  • Identified a novel type of interstitial cell in mouse trachea and lungs exhibiting characteristic telocyte morphology with telopodes (Tp).
  • SEM and TEM revealed telopodes composed of podomers and podoms containing mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and caveolae, with close proximity to nerve endings and capillaries.
  • IHC confirmed positive expression of c-kit, vimentin, and CD34 in these cells.

Conclusions:

  • This study demonstrates the presence of telocytes (TC) in the mouse trachea and lungs.
  • These cells possess unique ultrastructural features and express specific markers, fulfilling the criteria for telocytes.

More Related Videos

Studying Wnt Signaling During Patterning of Conducting Airways13:00

Studying Wnt Signaling During Patterning of Conducting Airways

Published on: October 16, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Trachea01:22

Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
The Bronchial Tree01:23

The Bronchial Tree

The human bronchi and bronchial tree play a crucial role in the respiratory system, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Let's delve into the intricate structure and functions of these respiratory components.
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...
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract01:31

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
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...
Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts01:26

Alveoli and Alveolar Ducts

The respiratory zone of the human body, which stands in contrast to the conducting zone, comprises the structures that actively participate in the exchange of gases. The initiation of this zone is marked by the terminal bronchioles converging into respiratory bronchioles, the tiniest bronchiole classification. The respiratory bronchioles give way to the alveolar ducts that opens into a congregation of alveoli. Actively involved in gas exchange, alveoli resemble tiny sacs similar to clusters of...
Gross Anatomy of the Lungs01:17

Gross Anatomy of the Lungs

The lungs are a pair of vital organs connected to the trachea via the left and right bronchi. The base of these organs meets the dome-shaped muscle known as the diaphragm. Encased by the pleurae, the lungs contact the mediastinum. The right lung is shorter yet wider, and has a larger volume than the left lung. The left lung has an indentation known as the cardiac notch. The superior region of the lungs is referred to as the apex, whereas the base is the lower region near the diaphragm. The...
The Respiratory System01:16

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is comprised of the organs that enable breathing. Air enters the nostrils and mouth, followed by the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box), which lead to the trachea (windpipe). In the thoracic cavity, the trachea splits into two bronchi that allow air to enter the lungs. The bronchi split into progressively smaller bronchioles and terminate in small groups of tiny sacs in the lungs called alveoli, where gas exchange occurs.