Pulmonary alveolar pores and alveolar macrophage-mediated particle clearance

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Anat. Rec.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.1092030208· OSTI ID:6853780

Ferin, J

Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (AM) are considered to have an essential role in alveolar clearance of particles. The AM occupy only a small portion of the alveolar surface and their number is probably lower than the number of alveoli. Even at realistic experimental exposures the number of deposited particles, which are distributed all over the lung surface, is orders of magnitude higher than the number of AM. Phagocytosis of deposited particles, however, is being accomplished rapidly within hours. Based on microscopic evidence, we suggest that alveolar pores serve as important passageways for AM by shortening the distance between particles and AM. Accordingly, the pores of Kohn may, in part, lend efficiency to the in vivo particle collection by AM.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Rochester, NY
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76EV03490
• OSTI ID: 6853780
• Journal Information: Anat. Rec.; (United States), Journal Name: Anat. Rec.; (United States) Vol. 203; ISSN ANREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ANIMAL CELLS
BODY
CLEARANCE
CONNECTIVE TISSUE CELLS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
DYNAMIC FUNCTION STUDIES
EXCRETION
INHALATION
INTAKE
LUNG CLEARANCE
LUNGS
MACROPHAGES
MICROSTRUCTURE
MORPHOLOGY
ORGANS
PARTICLES
PHAGOCYTES
PHAGOCYTOSIS
PHYSIOLOGY
POROSITY
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SOMATIC CELLS