Mechanisms of surfactant exocytosis in alveolar type II cells in vitro and in vivo

News Physiol Sci. 2001 Oct:16:239-43. doi: 10.1152/physiologyonline.2001.16.5.239.

Abstract

Surfactant secretion must be regulated to maintain a low surface tension in the lung during various conditions such as exercise. In vitro studies reveal a slow, unique exocytotic process at the interface of stimulated and constitutive exocytosis. The exocytotic mechanisms and sites of regulation in vivo, however, are still poorly understood.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Exocytosis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / cytology
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / metabolism*
  • Pulmonary Surfactants / metabolism*

Substances

  • Pulmonary Surfactants