18/12/2024
Scientists Found an Unexpected Lung Function — Our Lungs Make Blood
Research has revealed that lungs do more than just help us breathe—they also play a key role in blood production. In a groundbreaking study, scientists found that the lungs of mice generate more than 10 million platelets every hour, accounting for the majority of platelets in the animals' bloodstream.
bloodstreamThis discovery challenges the long-held belief that all blood components are produced solely by bone marrow.
Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco also identified a previously unknown pool of blood stem cells in the lungs. These cells, thought to reside mainly in bone marrow, are now seen as key players in blood formation.
"This finding reshapes our understanding of the lungs, showing they're not just for respiration, but also vital for blood production," says researcher Mark R. Looney.
The discovery was made using advanced two-photon imaging, which allowed the team to track fluorescently marked platelets as they moved through the lungs. This research opens new doors for understanding blood production and its potential implications for human health.
