Abstract
As scientists we are continually developing, slowly transitioning from novice learners to seasoned leaders. The almost imperceptible march from mentee to mentor begins the day we first set foot on the necropsy floor. Over the years, I have been fortunate to know mentors who taught (and taunted) me, challenging me to pursue my interests and cultivate a sense of belonging in our field. These amazing men and women have shared their insights and wisdom while stressing the importance of contributing to the advancement of our collective knowledge. While preparing materials for a conference, I was humbled by the realization that others may now look to what I can bring to the table in the same way I pour over scientific programs, planning which talks and sessions I can learn from. Complementing these collective learning environments, this journal serves to feed our intellectual hunger and curiosity on a regular basis. Our journal represents an opportunity to advance collective knowledge and create resources for an ever more remote professional society. Please take a moment to reflect on your professional journey and role as a member of our scientific community. The editorial staff welcomes the rare opportunities we are afforded to publish material that is unique to practitioners of the scientific discipline of toxicologic pathology. The following lung atlas is an excellent example of this type of scholarship. We hope you appreciate this work for years to come.
Histology Atlas of the Developing Mouse Respiratory System
Understanding the normal anatomy and histology of the developing mouse respiratory tract is essential for investigating the mechanisms of respiratory diseases and evaluating the developmental effects of potential toxicants or therapeutics. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and accessible references that provide high-quality images and descriptions of the mouse respiratory system at different embryonic and postnatal stages. In this issue of the journal, Parslow and colleagues present a histology atlas of the developing mouse respiratory system from prenatal day 9 through postnatal day 30, filling a significant gap in the current literature and providing a valuable resource in the field of respiratory biology.
The atlas consists of a series of hematoxylin and eosin photomicrographs, accompanied by detailed annotations and descriptions of normal anatomy and events at key developmental stages. The authors cover the development of the upper (nasal passages and sinuses, palate, turbinates, nasal mucosa, and olfactory organs) and lower (larynx, trachea, bronchi/bronchioles, and lungs) respiratory tracts, as well as the junctional areas (pharynx, larynx, vocal fold, and tracheoesophageal separation) that connect them. The authors provide tables summarizing major morphological events, common developmental defects, and the epithelial cell types and functions of the respiratory tract. Of note for comparative studies, the authors highlight the similarities and differences between mouse and human respiratory development, as well as variations among mouse strains. Comprehensive instructions for staging mouse embryos based on external and internal features are presented for comparing mouse development across strains and species.