気道粘液せんの形成機序に関する研究 とくに気道狭さくと粘液線毛輸送系の関与について

Abstract

Mucus plug formation in the airways often causes atelectasis, subsequently infection and respiratory distress. We devised a new method to detect mucus plug formation in the airway and performed an experimental study with this method to elucidate the role of airway constriction and mucociliary transport system in mucus plug formation.The results were as follows:1. Mucus plug formation was accelerated by airway constriction, excessive secretion of mucus and an impairment of mucociliary function.2. Once mucus plug was formed, it often remained, even when airway constriction was relieved.3. Mucociliary transport was impaired by airway constriction and recovered by relieving constriction.These results clarified the mechanism of mucus plug formation. Moreover, they suggest that relieving the airway constriction, accelerating the mucociliary transport and cough function, and modulating the quality and the quantity of mucus are required for the prevention and the treatment of mucus plug.