Calcium Mobilization and Exocytosis After One Mechanical Stretch of Lung Epithelial Cells

• DOI: 10.1126/science.2173861
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T22:10:14Z
• Authors: Hubert R. W. Wirtz; Leland G. Dobbs
• Keywords: Calcium in biology

Deep inflation of the lung stimulates surfactant secretion by unknown mechanisms. The hypothesis that mechanical distension directly type II cells to secrete was tested stretching cultured on silastic membranes. intracellular Ca 2+ concentration measured in single cells, before and after stretching. A stretch alveolar caused a transient (less than 60 seconds) increase cytosolic followed sustained (15 30 minutes) stimulation secretion. Both mobilization exocytosis exhibited dose-dependence magnitude stretch-stimulus. Thus, factors can trigger complex cellular events nonneuron, nonmuscle may be involved regulating normal functions.