Description

Pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (PAEpiC) comprised of alveolar type I and type II epithelial cells, line more than 99% of the internal surface area of the lung [1]. Type I cells are large squamous cells whose thin cytoplasmic extensions cover >95% of the internal surface area. They contain aquaporins and exhibit the highest osmotic water permeability of any mammalian cell type. Type II cells, which cover 2-5% of the surface area, produce, secrete, and recycle pulmonary surfactant [2]. Type II cells contain Na+-, K+-ATPase and amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channels. The currently accepted hypothesis is that Type II cells maintain pulmonary fluid homeostasis by regulating active Na+ transport in the lungs, whereas Type I cells are "inert" cells that provide solely a barrier function, rather than having active functions. Recent study indicate that Type I cells are also important in regulating ion and fluid transport [3].

RPAEpiC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from neonate day 2 rat lung tissue. RPAEpiC are cryopreserved at primary culture and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >1 x 10^6 cells in 1 ml volume. RPAEpiC are characterized by immunofluorescent method with antibodies CK-18, -19, and vimentin. HPAEpiC are negative for, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. RPAEpiC are guaranteed to further culture at the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories. However, this cell type is not recommend for expanding or long term cultures since the cells would differentiate to become type I alveolar epithelial cells immediately after plating and type I alveolar epithelial cells do not proliferate in culture.

Recommended Medium

It is recommended to use Alveolar Epithelial Cell Medium (AEpiCM, Cat. No. 3201) for the culturing of RPAEpiC in vitro.

Product Use

RPAEpiC are for research use only. It is not approved for human or animal use, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.

Storage

Directly and immediately transfer cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen upon receiving and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until cell culture needed for experiments.

Shipping

Dry ice.

Reference

[1] Crapo, J. D., Young, S. L., Fram, E. K., Pinkerton, K. E., Barry, B. E., & Crapo, R. O. (1983) Morphometric characteristics of cells in the alveolar region of mammalian lungs. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 128:S42-S46.
[2] Wright, J. R. & Dobbs, L. G. (1991) Regulation of pulmonary surfactant secretion and clearance. Annu. Rev. Physiol. 53:395-414.
[3] Johnson, M. D., Widdicombe, J. H., Allen, L., Barbry, P. and Dobbs, L. G. (2002) Alveolar epithelial type I cells contain transport proteins and transport sodium, supporting an active role for type I cells in regulation of lung liquid homeostasis Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 99(4):1966-1971..