Invited review: plasma membrane stress failure in alveolar epithelial cells

J Appl Physiol (1985). 2000 Dec;89(6):2490-6;discussion 2497. doi: 10.1152/jappl.2000.89.6.2490.

Abstract

In this review, we examine the hypothesis that plasma membrane stress failure is a central event in the pathophysiology of injury from alveolar overdistension. This hypothesis leads us to consider alveolar micromechanics and specifically the mechanical interactions between lung matrix and alveolar epithelial cell cytoskeleton and plasma membrane. We then explore events that are central to the regulation of plasma membrane tension and detail the lipid-trafficking responses of in vitro deformed and/or injured cells. We conclude with a reference to upregulation of stress-responsive genes after membrane injury and resealing.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / physiology
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / cytology
  • Pulmonary Alveoli / physiology*
  • Respiratory Mechanics
  • Stress, Mechanical