The alveolar–epithelial barrier: a target for potential therapy
GRS Budinger, JI Sznajder - Clinics in chest medicine, 2006 - chestmed.theclinics.com
In the lung, the alveolar–capillary barrier is responsible for controlling the volume and solute
content of the thin layer of fluid that lines the alveolar space (epithelial lining fluid)[1–3]. This
function is critical for the provision of an adequate surface area for gas exchange and for
host defense against viral and bacterial pathogens. In performing this activity, the epithelium
plays a dual role. First, the formation of tight junctions between alveolar epithelial cells is
responsible for the majority of the resistance of the alveolar–capillary barrier to the …
content of the thin layer of fluid that lines the alveolar space (epithelial lining fluid)[1–3]. This
function is critical for the provision of an adequate surface area for gas exchange and for
host defense against viral and bacterial pathogens. In performing this activity, the epithelium
plays a dual role. First, the formation of tight junctions between alveolar epithelial cells is
responsible for the majority of the resistance of the alveolar–capillary barrier to the …