Distribution and morphology of Clara cells in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Heterogeneity of Pulmonary Stem Cells

Epithelial stem cells reside within multiple regions of the lung where they renew various region-specific cells. In addition, there are multiple routes of regeneration after injury through built-in heterogeneity within stem cell populations and through a capacity for cellular plasticity among differentiated cells. These processes are important facets of respiratory tissue resiliency and organism survival. However, this regenerative capacity is not limitless, and repetitive or chronic injuries, environmental stresses, or underlying factors of disease may ultimately lead to or contribute to tissue remodeling and end-stage lung disease. This chapter will review stem cell heterogeneity among pulmonary epithelia in the lower respiratory system, discuss recent findings that may challenge long-held scientific paradigms, and identify several clinically relevant research opportunities for regenerative medicine.

Use of nonhuman primates in obstructive lung disease research - is it required?

In times of increasing costs for health insurances, obstructive lung diseases are a burden for both the patients and the economy. Pulmonary symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are similar; nevertheless, the diseases differ in pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches. Novel therapeutics are continuously developed, and nonhuman primates (NHPs) provide valuable models for investigating novel biologicals regarding efficacy and safety.

This review discusses the role of nonhuman primate models for drug development in asthma and COPD and investigates whether alternative methods are able to prevent animal experiments.

Distribution of ciliated epithelial cells in the trachea of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

BACKGROUND

The distribution of ciliated cells in the tracheal epithelium of common marmosets was evaluated.

METHODS

Light and scanning electron microscopy of tracheal epithelium was performed.

RESULTS

Ciliated cells were concentrated in cartilage-free areas and virtually absent in cartilage-supported epithelial regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneous distribution of ciliated cells in the trachea has to be considered when using animal models for translational respiratory research approaches.