Mucus functions

Mucus functions in many invertebrate physiological processes and also influences the structuring of the community and the ecosystem. Molluscan... 

Wild, C., Huettel, M., Klueter, A., Kretnb, S. G., Rasheed, M. Y. M., andjorgensen, B. B. (2004a). Coral mucus functions as an energy carrier and particle trap in the reef ecosystem. Nature 428, 66-70. 

Frequently, the EAR is followed by a late phase response 4-6 h later and it is caused by the pulmonary sequestration of eosinophils, neutrophils, mast cells, and T-lymphocytes. This leukocyte recruitment depends on mast cell-derived mediators such as TNFa and various chemokines, as well as on the expression of adhesion molecules on leukocytes (e.g. VLA-4, CD11/18) and vascular endothelial cells (e.g. VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin). Products of these leukocytes have several functions First, they cause the second phase of bron-choconstriction, mucus secretion, and airway swelling second, they cause tissue destruction third, they launch and entertain the chronic inflammation. 

During COPD, the following symptoms occur, usually in the order mucus hypersecretion, ciliary dysfunction, airflow limitation, pulmonary hyperinflation, gas exchange abnormalities, pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. Acute exacerbations appear to be mainly triggered by bacteria, viruses or environmental pollutants. They lead to a worsening of lung functions, wasting and increased mortality their psychosocial impacts include depression and anxiety that may be associated with the will to die. 

FIGURE 1119 The lysozyme molecule is a typical enzyme molecule. Lysozyme is present in a number of places in the body, including tears and the mucus in the nose. One of its functions is to attack the cell walls of bacteria and destroy them. This "ribbon" representation shows only the general arrangement of the atoms to emphasize the overall shape of the molecule the ribbon actually consists of amino acids linked together (Section 19.13). 

A distinct population of effector T cells that promote tissue inflammation has been described without suppressive functions [9]. This population is termed as Th9 cells and exerts IL-9 and IL-10 secretion capacities. IL-4 and TGF-(I promotes an IL-9-producing subset, Th9 cells, which have roles in mucus production and tissue inflammation [100,101]. 

Cross, C.E., Halliwell, B. and Allen, A. (1984). Antioxidant protection a function of tracheobronchial and gastrointestinal mucus. Lancet i, 1328-1330. 

Corticosteroids are the most potent anti-inflammatory agents available for the treatment of asthma. The efficacy of corticosteroids is due to their ability to affect multiple inflammatory pathways, resulting in the suppression of inflammatory cell activation and function, prevention of microvascular leakage, decreased mucus production, and upregulation of P2-adrenergic receptors.10,18 Clinically, corticosteroids decrease airway inflammation, decrease AHR, decrease mucus production and secretion, and improve the response to P2-agonists.18 Corticosteroids for the treatment of asthma are available in inhaled, oral, and injectable dosage forms. 

FGJ Poelma, R Breas, JJ Tukker. Intestinal absorption of drugs. IV. The influence of taurocholate and L-cysteine on the barrier function of mucus. Int J Pharm 64 161-169, 1990. 

Mucus is produced by the mucus neck cells and by the surface epithelial cells of the stomach wall. A thick layer of mucus adheres to the wall of the stomach, forming the gastric mucosal barrier. The function of this barrier is to protect the gastric mucosa from injury — specifically, from the corrosive actions of HCl and pepsin. Together with bicarbonate ion released into the lumen of the stomach, mucus neutralizes the acid and maintains the mucosal surface at a nearly neutral pH. 

Secretion of the large intestine. The large intestine produces an alkaline mucus secretion, the function of which is to protect the mucosa from mechanical or chemical injury. Mucus provides lubrication to facilitate the movement of the contents of the lumen. Bicarbonate ion neutralizes the irritating acids produced by local bacterial fermentation colonic secretion increases in... 

A number of clinical symptoms characterize cystic fibrosis. Predominant among these is the presence of excess sodium chloride in cystic fibrosis patient sweat. Indeed, measurement of chloride levels in sweat remains the major diagnostic indicator of this disease. Another characteristic is the production of an extremely viscous, custard-like mucus in various body glands/organs that severely compromises their function. Particularly affected are ... 

The lungs, in which mucus compromises respiratory function. 

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