Morphology, Function, and Response of Pulmonary Type I Cells: A Review

Abstract

A portrait is given of the characteristic features of the mammalian pulmonary type I cell, including morphological, morphometrical, physiological, and biochemical hallmarks. The effects of toxic agents on type I cells are reviewed, as well as their relationship with type II cells. Possibilities are discussed with regard to identification of the type I cell. The causes of pulmonary tolerance after prolonged or repeated exposures to toxic agents are considered in relation to morphological and functional alterations of this cell type.