Biophysical model of ion transport across human respiratory epithelia allows quantification of ion permeabilities.

ABSTRACT: Lung health and normal mucus clearance depend on adequate hydration of airway surfaces. Because transepithelial osmotic gradients drive water flows, sufficient hydration of the airway surface liquid depends on a balance between ion secretion and absorption by respiratory epithelia. In vitro experiments using cultures of primary human nasal epithelia and human bronchial epithelia have established many of the biophysical processes involved in airway surface liquid homeostasis. Most experimental studies, however, have focused on the apical membrane, despite the fact that ion transport across respiratory epithelia involves both cellular and paracellular pathways. In fact, the ion permeabilities of the basolateral membrane and paracellular pathway remain largely unknown. Here we use a biophysic

SUBMITTER: Garcia GJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3566454 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature