RESUMO
Light and electron microscopy coupled to Laser scanning confocal microscopy and immunohistology (for adhesion detection, revealed that in its development, the air pouch produced in mice, starts as a traumatic event in where is produced a subcutaneous air space surrounded by compressed pre-existing connective issue. It soon matures toward a well circunscribed air pouch, acquiring an epithelial-looking lining suported by newly synthesized connective tissue layers. We recognized three developmental stages and considered they should be taken in account in experimental designs making use of the air pouch model. The capability of the air pouch lining to express adhesion molecules, its easy manipulation and its situation as an isolated comportament turns the air pouch a good alternative model to the coelomatic cavities.