ISSN:
1432-2307
Keywords:
Ciliary regulation
;
Cytoskeleton
;
Bronchial epithelium
;
Electron microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Observations of explanted bronchial mucosa show that ciliary function is maintained for 7 days subsequent to explantation. This finding demonstrates that non-neural mechanisms exist which regulate ciliary function. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies both for light and electron microscopy were performed on human bronchial biopsy material and lung resection specimens in order to recognize the morphological substrate of this regulatory mechanism. A complex system of cytokeratin filaments and microtubules radiate through the whole cytoplasm of ciliated cells with direct contact to the nucleus, cilia, microvilli, desmosomes and to the apical terminal adhesive complex. Between the basal bodies and the apical terminal adhesive complex microfilaments can be found. In the apical cytoplasm a dense filamentary network is seen in association with the adhesive complex. These morphological findings indicate that the cytoskeleton of the bronchial epithelium plays a key role in the co-ordination of ciliary function.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01606537
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