Bronchial epithelium thickness

The dose received by cells in the bronchial epithelium from decay of the alpha-emitting radon daughters at the airway surface decreases rapidly with depth in tissue. The data available show that the thickness of bronchial epithelium is highly variable (Gastineau et al., 1972) but the distribution of values can be formalised (Wise,... 

Gastineau, R.M., P.J. Walsh and N. Underwood, Thickness of Bronchial Epithelium with Relation to Exposure to Radon, Health Phys. 23 857-860 (1972). 

It is seen that the diameters of bronchioles (averaged over generations 11 - 15) vary little with age. The increase in bronchial size is greater, but still less than might be expected if airways are simply scaled for overall body dimensions (illustrated by the dashed curves in Figure 9, which are functions of body weight W). Since bronchiolar diameter does not change much with age it is likely that the thickness of bronchiolar epithelium is also relatively constant. However, in the case of the bronchi, it is reasonable to assume that epithelial thickness is proportional to bronchial diameter. Thus, it is necessary to use age dependent conversion factors between the surface density of alpha-decays and dose to cells. 

Infection of the trachea and bronchi causes hyperemic and edematous mucous membranes and an increase in bronchial secretions. Destruction of respiratory epithelium can range from mild to extensive and may affect bronchial mucociliary function. In addition, the increase in bronchial secretions, which can become thick and tenacious, further impairs mucociliary activity. Recurrent acute respiratory infections may be associated with increased airway hyperreactivity and possibly the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive lung disease. 

The pharynx, larynx, trachea and bronchi are lined with pseudostratified, ciliated columnar epithelium that contain at least eight cell types, including mucous secretory goblet and Clara cells, which produce a protective mucus layer of 5-10 jum thickness (see Table 9.2). Subepithelial secretory glands, present in the bronchial submucosa, also contribute to the mucus blanket [9]. Through coordinated ciliary movement a propulsive wave is created, which continuously moves the mucus layer up towards the larynx. Consequently, the mucosal surface of trachea and bronchi is constantly swept to remove inhaled materials. As the bronchi divide into bronchioli, the ciliated columnar respiratory epithelium is much thinner and changes to a simpler non-ciliated cuboidal epithelium. The epithelium in the terminal and respiratory bronchioles consists of ciliated, cuboidal cells and a small number of Clara cells. However, Clara cells become the most predominant type in the most distal part of the respiratory bronchioles [10]. 

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