[Ultrastructure of the neuroepithelial cells of the respiratory portion of the lungs in experimental inflammatory diseases of the lungs]

Abstract

Neuroepithelial cells (NEC) and neuroepithelial bodies (NEB) were found in the lungs of rats among cells of the alveolar epithelium. The peculiar features of NEC structure included microvilli with microfibrils penetrating deep into the cytoplasm, and a complicated structure of the endoplasmic reticulum: reticulum membrane complex. NEC's are arrayed on the alveolar basal membrane singly, in pairs and in larger numbers forming NEB. The latter consist of cells differing in shape, size, and ultrastructure. Most of them have no microvilli with microfibrils inside. In chronic pneumonia NEC's occur more frequently, the ultrastructure of most cells being well-developed.