RHEOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SPUTUM - ROLE OF INFECTION

1 January 1976

journal article
research article

Vol. 24 (2) , 93-96

Abstract

Rheological and biochemical changes in sputum following repeated bronchial infections were studied in 6 chronic bronchitics. Secretory IgA [immunoglobulin A] in the sputum decreases and serum albumin increases as the number of acute bronchial infection epidoses increases. Rheological properties of sputum follow a comparable course to that of secretory IgA. The decrease of the IgA-serum albumin ratio and the loss of the viscoelastic properties of sputum reflect the nonfunctional state of the bronchial mucosa. These changes may be important in altering mucus clearance and therefore favoring chronic bronchial obstruction.

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