Cell turnover in pulmonary tissues

Abstract

IN recent years considerable interest has been shown in the turnover of epithelial cells, particularly those in the gastro-intestinal tract1,2. These investigations have been facilitated by the introduction of autoradiographic techniques and the use of tritium-labelled thymidine. This is incorporated specifically by the nuclei of cells in pre-mitosis, at which time synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is occurring3. © 1962 Nature Publishing Group.