Cells Alveolar Secretory

Cells of alveolar origin are mononuclear cells with an eccentrically located round nucleus, which usually persists even after the end of the mitotic cycle. During the division period they have a distinct bipolar shape. The nucleus is round, the chromatin is finely looped, heterochromatic. In addition to the nucleus, there is a cytoplasm containing granular and amorphous structures. The main distinguishing feature of these cells is their secretory function - that is, they secrete some substances. The origin of the name is due to the fact that they are found in the alveoli of the lungs, and it is in them that they carry out their function by secreting various substances. One of the common functions of alveolar secretory cells in the lungs is the synthesis and subsequent release of respiratory proteins, such as surfactant and lactoferrin, which prevent the destruction of alveoli and reduce the risk of developing inflammatory lung diseases and other pathologies. To protect against oxidation, another protein is also produced - ceruloplasmin, which fights free radicals. In addition, alveolar secretory material contains antimicrobial proteins.