SIGNIFICANCE OF ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES, PNEUMOCYTE TYPE-II AND CLARA CELLS IN LUNG TOXICOLOGY

The lung is an organ consisting of more than 40 different cell types. Each cell type has a unique morphology and function. The isolation and culture of individual cell types enables a better understanding of ce ll response to various toxic agents. In the present study alveolar mac rophages, pneumocyte type II and non-ciliated epithelial cells (Clara cells) have been described which are the most important cell types in lung toxicology.