Airways of CF and non-CF Pigs (IMAGE)
Caption
University of Iowa researchers have created a pig model that genetically replicates the most common form of cystic fibrosis. The pigs develop disease symptoms, including gastrointestinal abnormalities and lung disease, which mimic CF in humans. The image shows cells that line the bronchial airways of non-CF (top) and CF (bottom) pigs. Hair-like cilia protrude from the tops of cells. In non-CF, air fills the airway lumen above the cells. In CF, inflammatory cells, mucus and bacteria sit in the airway lumen. In CF, more of the airway cells have a reddish-purple color indicating increased mucus production.
Credit
David Meyerholz, University of Iowa
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