Alcohol and the Alveolar Epithelium

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Samuel Molina, Emory University; Michael Koval, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2013-08-06
• Publisher: Spring Link
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8833-0_8
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Alcohol Use Disorders and the Lung
• Volume: 14
• Start Page: 83
• End Page: 101
• Grant/Funding Information: None declared
• Keywords: alveolus; fluid clearance; tight junction; pulmonary edema; claudin; gap junction; pneumocyte; connexin; barrier function; ethanol
• Research Categories: Biology, Cell; Health Sciences, Nutrition; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

The distal airways are covered with a heterogeneous layer of cells known as the alveolar epithelium. Alveolar epithelial cells provide the major barrier between the airspace and fluid filled tissue compartments. As such, regulation of the alveolar epithelium is critical to maintain a healthy lung and for optimal gas exchange. In this chapter, we discuss functional roles for alveolar epithelial cells with particular emphasis on intercellular junctions and communication. As a thin layer of cells directly exposed to atmospheric oxygen, alveoli are particularly sensitive to oxidant insults. Alcohol significantly diminishes the normal antioxidant reserves of the alveolar epithelium, thereby rendering it sensitized for an exaggerated damage response to acute and chronic injuries. The effects of alcohol on alveolar epithelia are discussed along with open questions and potential therapeutic targets to prevent the pathophysiology of alcoholic lung disease.