The functions of the bronchiolar Clara cell are not known although it is generally believed that the cell is secretory. Using Clara cells isolated from the lungs of rabbits we have shown that the major protein secreted by bronchiolar Clara cells is a low molecular weight protein immunochemically and compositionally similar to uteroglobin, the major secretory protein of the uterine epithelium. In addition, we have identified cells of the bronchiolar and tracheal epithelium that contain the Clara cell secretory protein by using an immunogold procedure. Most of the secretory protein appears to be localized in the secretory granules of Clara cells although substantial amounts are located in the endoplasmic reticulum. The low molecular weight protein appears to consist of three major isoforms that differ in their isoelectric points.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01ES025027-08
Application #
3855889
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code