Summary
Respiratory mucus is a complex secretion elaborated by several cell types in the airway
wall: serous and mucous gland cells in the submucosa, and ciliated and goblet cells
in the epithelium. The cell types are under independent regulatory mechanisms, most
of which are poorly understood. Two new approaches are described which permit analysis
of these mechanisms and the role of each cell type in mucus production. Using cell-specific
monoclonal antibodies, we have obtained biochemical information about mucus components
contributed by the various cell types. Antibodies are also being used in enzyme immunoassays
(ELISA) to detect cell-specific secretion from mixed cell biopsies. In other studies,
analysis of secretory products from pure cultures of serous gland cells has revealed
that the major glycoconjugates released by this cell type are chondroitin sulfate
proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid and N-linked glycoproteins of complex type.
Key-Words
Trachea
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Mucus
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Glands
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Secretion
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Exocrine
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Airway
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Lung
