They play an important role in maintaining the normal functioning of the respiratory system.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, which specializes in the respiratory system, have discovered an entirely new type of cell hidden in the thin, branching passages of the human lung. About this ScienceAlert.
It has been observed that newly discovered cells play an important role in maintaining the normal functioning of the respiratory system. Scientists suggest they could inspire the creation of new treatments to prevent the effects of smoking -related diseases. In particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – COPD.
“Cells known as airway secretory cells (RAS) live in tiny branching passages known as bronchioles that end in alveoli, tiny air sacs that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide into the bloodstream. RAS cells are like stem cells – “blank canvas” cells that can be different from any other cell type in the body – and are able to repair damaged alveolar cells and change into new ones, “said the authors of the study. study.
New technologies have helped identify unique cell types.
RAS cells perform two main functions in the lungs-releasing molecules that maintain a fluid lining along the bronchioles, thus helping to prevent the collapse of small airways and maximizing of lung efficiency.
They also act as progenitor cells for alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, a special type of alveolar that releases a chemical that is partially used to repair other damaged alveoli.
“RAS cells are what we call facultative progenitors, which means they act as progenitor cells and also play an important role in maintaining respiratory health. This means that RAS cells play an important role in maintaining healthy lungs ”, the scientists added.
It is assumed that new cells should prevent or mitigate the consequences of COPD by repairing damaged alveoli.
“We don’t yet know exactly whether this discovery could lead to a potential cure for COPD. However, since COPD is a disease we know very little about, any new insights should help scientists get started. think about new therapeutic approaches that could lead to improved treatment, ”the scientists concluded.
Remember that early American chemists created cell -like structures that could select different substances and particles, move them and process them.
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Source: korrespondent
