Rat Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Description

Rat Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells (PAECs) are primarily derived from the distal lung epithelium of rats and consist of two main types: Type I alveolar epithelial cells (AT1 cells) and Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AT2 cells). AT1 cells are thin, squamous cells that facilitate gas diffusion, while AT2 cells are cuboidal and possess lamellar bodies for surfactant production. Morphologically, AT1 cells exhibit a flattened, whereas AT2 cells are more compact with microvilli and secretory organelles. These cells play critical roles in maintaining lung homeostasis (AT1 cells mediate gas exchange, while AT2 cells produce pulmonary surfactant, regulate immune responses, and act as progenitors for alveolar repair). These cells express ZO-1, E-cadherin and CK18. To ensure the quality of these primary cells, repeated freeze-thaw cycles are not recommended due to the fragile nature of these cells. Each lot undergoes rigorous screening and isolation procedures, and is rigorously tested to ensure it is free of contamination from Mycoplasma, Fungi, Yeast, and Bacteria.