Morphogenetic Implications of Peristalsis-Driven Fluid Flow in the Embryonic Lung.

ABSTRACT: Epithelial organs are almost universally secretory. The lung secretes mucus of extremely variable consistency. In the early prenatal period, the secretions are of largely unknown composition, consistency, and flow rates. In addition to net outflow from secretion, the embryonic lung exhibits transient reversing flows from peristalsis. Airway peristalsis (AP) begins as soon as the smooth muscle forms, and persists until birth. Since the prenatal lung is liquid-filled, smooth muscle action can transport fluid far from the immediately adjacent tissues. The sensation of internal fluid flows has been shown to have potent morphogenetic effects, as has the transport of morphogens. We hypothesize that these effects play an important role in lung morphogenesis. To test these hypotheses in a quantita

SUBMITTER: Bokka KK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4493131 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature