Mammalian Respiratory Mucociliary Clearance

Abstract
An in vivo model was designed to provide information on the major factors affecting mammalian mucociliary clearance. It involves simultaneous quantitation of mucous load, tracheal transport velocity, ciliary beat frequency, and rheological properties of mucus. Values in 23 cats were obtained. The results were remarkably consistent for the group as well as for individual cats that were reexamined. The mucous blanket depth measures usually < 10μ, ciliary beat frequency averages 876±151 beats per minute, and transport rate 10.5±3.7 mm/min. Average mucous viscosity was 248±106 poises at a shear rate of 1 sec-1 and recoverable shear strain (elasticity) 3.1±1.1 units at 100 dynes/sq cm. It is suggested that this model can serve as a sensitive indicator of early deleterious effects of airway pollution or noxious inhalants and pinpoint the initial target area.

This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit: