ABSTRACT
The lung is a heterogeneous organ consisting of more than 40 distinct cell types (Crapo et al. 1982). Essential to pulmonary function are two major subcompartments, the epithelial-lined airspace and the pulmonary circulation, which act in concert to promote gas exchange between the extracellular environment and bloodstream. Connective tissue composed of Ÿbroblasts provides additional structural integrity. Recruitment of leukocytes from the circulation into the airspaces enhances host defense and is regulated by a Ÿnely tuned balance between the pulmonary endothelium, respiratory epithelium, and cells of the immune system (Doerschuk 2001). While there are several pathways that enable these distinct cellular compartments to communicate, here, we focus on roles for connexins and pannexins in facilitating lung function and inŽammation.
