Lysozyme secretion by submucosal glands protects the airway from bacterial infection.
Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol
; 32(6): 548-52, 2005 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15746432
ABSTRACT
Submucosal glands are abundant (approximately 1 gland/mm2) secretory structures in the tracheobronchial airways of the human lung. Because submucosal glands express antibacterial proteins, it has been proposed that they contribute to lung defense. However, this concept is challenged by the fact that mice do not have submucosal glands in their bronchial airways, yet are quite resistant to bacterial lung infection. The contribution of airway submucosal glands to host defense is also debated as a pathophysiologic component of cystic fibrosis lung disease. Here, we asked whether submucosal glands protect airways against bacterial infection. By comparing tracheal xenograft airways with and without glands, we found that the presence of glands enhanced bacterial killing in vivo and by airway secretions in vitro. Moreover, immunodepletion studies suggested that lysozyme is a major antibacterial component secreted by submucosal glands. These studies provide evidence that submucosal glands are a major source of antibacterials critical for maintaining sterile airways.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Temas:
Geral
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Infecções Bacterianas
/
Traqueia
/
Muramidase
/
Mucosa Respiratória
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
Ano de publicação:
2005
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos