A study of macromolecular diffusion through native porcine mucus.
A diffusion chamber technique based on time-lag analysis for the estimation of effective diffusion coefficients of radiolabelled macromolecules of varying molecular weights through native mucus gel is reported. For all solutes studied, a reduction in effective diffusion coefficients was observed with a retardation of solute flux in both aqueous and mucus layers. Over the molecular weight range of solutes investigated (126-186,000 Daltons), a consistent effect of molecular weight was evident with regard to the retarding effect of mucus. No apparent or absolute molecular weight cut-off for macromolecular transfer was exhibited. However, at high molecular weights (greater than 30,000 Daltons) the retardation was greatly enhanced. The results confirm that mucus can be regarded as a gel with finite pores, but that it does not constitute an absolute barrier to even high molecular weight solutes.
Desai
M A
MA
Department of Medicine (Clinical Biochemistry), University of Manchester, Salford, England.
Mutlu
M
M
Vadgama
P
P
D000818:Animals; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D015194:Diffusion Chambers, Culture / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D005949:Glucose Oxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009093:Mucus / Q000378:metabolism*; D009113:Muramidase / Q000378:metabolism; D013552:Swine
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D005949:Glucose Oxidase; D009113:Muramidase