Human Alveolar Epithelium

DESCRIPTION
The in vivo alveolar epithelium is a very thin epithelium ensuring gas exchange by simple diffusion into the blood and the alveolar space. It consists of two cell types: pneumocytes type I, squamous form and pneumocytes type II, bulkier and cuboid form.

The alveolar epithelium is reconstructed with the Calu-3 cells, which present properties similar to serous cells and are defined as the most representative of the native bronchial epithelium.

After 12 days of tissue culture on air-liquid interface, the Calu-3 cells form polarized cell layers with a mixed phenotype of ciliated cells and secretory cells, characteristic of the in vivo bronchial epithelium.

The alveolar epithelium model is characterized by a barrier function and metabolic activity and can be employed for safety and efficacy testing. To ensure global availability, models are transported on an agarose based solidified medium together with Sterlab growth and maintenance medium.

RECOMMENDED MEDIUM
Growth Medium (Ref: 205MILC – 125ml, 250ml or 500ml).

PRODUCT CHARACTERIZATION
Each production batch is provided with quality controls values and recommendations such as storage conditions, instruction for use, batch number and origin, histology, cell viability, absence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and Mycoplasma.

PRODUCT USE
The Sterlab reconstructed alveolar model are for in vitro research use only and not for diagnostic or clinical applications.