Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) is an 80-kD serum protein with homology to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Its receptor, RON tyrosine kinase, is a new member of the HGF receptor family. The MSP-RON signaling pathway has been implicated in the functional regulation of mononuclear phagocytes. However, the function of this pathway in other types of cells has not been elucidated. Here we show ...

Objectives. The measurement of mucociliary transport velocity by rhinoscintigraphy with Tc-99m-macroaggregated albumin ((99m)Tc-MAA) is reliable measure of mucociliary clearance. The aim of this study is to assess the intratest, interobserver, and intraobserver reproducibility of nasal mucociliary transport rate (NMTR) measurement. Materials and Methods. Twenty-two subjects were evaluated to de...

OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between mucociliary transport and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in smokers and nonsmokers. METHODS Fifty-two current smokers were submitted to assessment of mucociliary transport (Sacharin Transit Time, STT), carbon monoxide levels in the exhaled air, lung function and smoking history. In addition, subjects kept a pedometer worn at the waist...

Background Mucociliary clearance is the main self-clearing system of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.This is a very important means of non specific defence against continuous organic and inorganic contamination conveyed by air. It works by trapping particles and microorganisms in the mucus and then by transporting the mucous film to the pharynx where it is eliminated with a cough or swal...

BACKGROUND Smoking impairs mucociliary clearance and increases respiratory infection frequency and severity in subjects with and without smoking-related chronic lung diseases. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the effects of smoking intensity on mucociliary clearance in active smokers. METHODS Seventy-five active smokers were grouped into light (1-10 cigarettes/day; n = 14), moderate (11-20 ci...

BACKGROUND Little is known of how mucociliary clearance (MCC) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and normal pulmonary function compares with healthy adults, or how an acute inhalation of 7% hypertonic saline (HS) aerosol affects MCC in these same children. METHODS We compared MCC in 12 children with CF and normal pulmonary function after an acute inhalation of 0.12% saline (placebo), or HS...

We have previously shown that a decreased level of phosphatidylglycerol in cystic fibrosis (CF) respiratory mucus is partly responsible for its marked adhesiveness and stickiness, which impair mucus transport, and that distearoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DSPG) was the most efficient form of phosphatidylglycerol in the enhancement of respiratory mucus clearance. The aim of our study was to analyse ...

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by defective ion transport across various epithelia. Multiple organ systems are affected in this disease; however, the pulmonary complications are the most morbid and life limiting. The primary defect in the lung appears to be abnormal mucociliary clearance. Isolation of the gene responsible for CF in 1989 provided impetus for the d...

Nasal mucociliary system is the first line of defense of the upper airways and may be affected acutely by exposure to particulate matter (PM) from biomass burning. Several epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a consistent association between levels of air pollution from biomass burning with increases in hospitalization for respiratory diseases and mortality. To determine the acute effects of...