Mucus viscosity change

Ipratropium Asthma and COPD (inhalational)—no CNS entry, no change in j mucus viscosity [... 

Fig. 12. Change of visible mucus in several gastric diseases. Changes of viscosities by pH correction. From Wada (Wl).

The viscosity of mucus is affected by binding between calcium and the mucus, which probably arises from an ionic interaction with the sialic acid in the mucin. These variations are indicated by a change in the pH, viscoelastic properties, water, and protein content of cervical mucus. Calcium is needed to establish an intercellular contact and the assembly of tight junction in the cervical epithelium. Changes in extracellular calcium affect the permeability of tight junctions and play a role in regulating the production of cervical mucus.Prostaglandin concentrations... 

Changes in the viscoelasticity of mucus gels alter the mucus clearance rate and, hence, particle transport efficiency. An increase in viscosity [148], or a decrease in elasticity [132,149] of mucus gels leads to slower mucociliary clearance rates, allowing particles a longer time to penetrate mucus. 

The progestogen-only oral contraeeptives are taken continuously the implants, injections or intra-uterine deviees slowly release the progestogen over an extended period of time. They do not inhibit ovulation reliably in all cycles and probably act mainly by increasing the viscosity of the cervical mucus so that the movement of the sperm is retarded. They may also cause changes in the endometrium, which inhibit successful implantation. 

Both act to suppress ovulation, while the progestogen ditionaUy causes changes in the viscosity of cervical mucus and alters the lining of the womb, both ofwhich decrease the chances ot fertiUzation should ovulation occur. The so-caUed minipUl contains only... 

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