Transgenic Mouse Models for the Study of Growth Factor Signaling During Lung Morphogenesis
Year: 2000
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: Formation of the lung begins with an outpouching of endodermal tissue from the lateral esophageal laryngeal sulcus at approx 9 d postconception in the mouse. The endodermal-derived cells form the trachea and mainstem bronchi, and the esophagus separates from the trachea during the early embryonic period of lung morphogenesis. Endodermal tissue grows into the splanchnic mesenchyme and undergoes stereotypic dichotomous branching to form the bronchioles and acinar structures characteristic of mammalian lung. The columnar epithelial cells lining the endodermally derived tubules remain relatively undifferentiated until day 13–14 pc, when the conducting airways are virtually complete. Pulmonary vessels form along the airways to produce the highly vascularized capillary bed of the pulmonary vasculature. The splanchnic mesenchyme differentiates to form vascular, lymphatic, and stroma tissues that are distinct in proximal, as compared to peripheral, regions of the lung. Cell differentiation, expansion of the airspaces, and thinning of the splanchnic mesenchyme precedes birth. Successful adaptation to air breathing following birth requires production of pulmonary surfactant by type II epithelial cells, clearance of lung liquid, and continued growth of the gas exchange surface. Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis generate the extensive capillary network that forms during alveolarization. Thus, the orderly growth and differentiation of numerous cell types is required for the formation of the lung, and is thought to be mediated by tightly controlled paracrine signaling that occurs between the respiratory epithelium and the underlying mesenchyme.
Source: Humana Press eBooks
Authors: Jeffrey A. Whitsett, Thomas R. Korfhagen
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W40532354