title: Ultrastructural localization of phospholipases in the Clara cell of the rat bronchiole.
abstract: The Clara cell of the bronchiole is unique to the lung; the cell's function is not clear. The localization of the lipid-hydrolase enzymes phospholipase, lysophospholipase, and lipase was examined ultrastructurally in the Clara cell of the rat bronchiole. The secretory granules of the Clara cell showed a strong reaction of lysophospholipase and a weak reaction of lipase. Phospholipase activity was not detected intracellularly. These findings suggest that the Clara cell secretes lipase-phospholipase into the bronchiolar lumen, thus catabolizing the pulmonary surfactant phospholipids.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000201:enzymology; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008049:Lipase / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D010740:Phospholipases / Q000378:metabolism*; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000378:metabolism; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D010743:Phospholipids; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants; D010740:Phospholipases; D008049:Lipase