Distal bronchial epithelium

The rate of protein clearance has been estimated as 10% of the rate of fluid clearance from alveoli [173]. IgG clearance is probably mediated by FcRn transcytosis in distal type I alveolar epithelium and more proximal bronchial epithelium. Type I alveolar epithelium and bronchial epithelium contain the necessary subcellular structures for FcRn-mediated transcytosis vesicles, membrane invaginations, caveolae, and clathrin-coated pits [173,174], FcRn mRNA is expressed in lung although the cell types and locations have not yet been determined [112], Moreover, primary alveolar epithelial monolayer cell cultures express functional FcRn [173], plgA-R/SC transcytosis is thought to contribute little to distal (alveolar) airway IgG transport but might mediate more proximal (bronchial or bronchiolar) IgA transport [173], Uptake of an aerosolized IgG Fc-erythropoietin fusion molecule and subsequent erythropoietin-induced reticulocytosis has been demonstrated in human and nonhuman primates [175],... 

Inhaled air travels along the conductive airways until it reaches the very distal respiratory part formed by the respiratory airways, which are terminated by the sack like compartments of the alveoli. The surface of these air-filled compartments is formed by epithelial cell layers, the alveoli by the alveolar epithelium, respiratory airways by the respiratory epithelium, and conducting airways by the bronchial epithelium (Fig. 1). According to its localization along the airways the epithelial cell layers differs with regard to its cellular composition, epithelial barrier, and transport function. 

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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