Uptake of lectins by pulmonary alveolar type II cells: subsequent deposition into lamellar bodies.

Type II cells of the alveolar epithelium of adult rats have been shown to internalize the ferritin-labeled lectin from Maclura pomifera (MPA-F). This alpha-galactose-binding molecule binds specifically to the apical plasma membrane of the cells. Once within the cell the lectin is cycled from pinocytic vesicles, to multivesicular bodies of two types, and finally to lamellar bodies, the storage granules of surfactant. Those multivesicular bodies that first contain MPA-F lack detectable lysosomal enzymes, while those labeled later are reactive. For 30-60 min, uptake of MPA-F is blocked by adding methyl alpha-D-galactoside to the instillate. Lectins that have no or limited binding to type II cells are taken up in amounts similar to fluid phase markers. These observations indicate that type II cells can take up substances from alveoli by the process of adsorptive endocytosis and deposit the ingested material into lamellar bodies.