Airways of CF and non-CF Pigs (IMAGE) University of Iowa Health Care Caption University of Iowa researchers have created a pig model that genetically replicates the most common form of cystic fibrosis. The pigs develop disease symptoms, including gastrointestinal abnormalities and lung disease, which mimic CF in humans. The image shows cells that line the bronchial airways of non-CF (top) and CF (bottom) pigs. Hair-like cilia protrude from the tops of cells. In non-CF, air fills the airway lumen above the cells. In CF, inflammatory cells, mucus and bacteria sit in the airway lumen. In CF, more of the airway cells have a reddish-purple color indicating increased mucus production. Credit David Meyerholz, University of Iowa Usage Restrictions May only be used with appropriate credit for news or educational purposes. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.