Liquid secretion properties of airway submucosal glands.
The tracheobronchial submucosal glands secrete liquid that is important for hydrating airway surfaces, supporting mucociliary transport, and serving as a fluid matrix for numerous secreted macromolecules including the gel-forming mucins. This review details the essential structural elements of airway glands and summarizes what is currently known regarding the ion transport processes responsible for producing the liquid component of gland secretion. Liquid secretion most likely arises from serous cells and is principally under neural control with muscarinic agonists, substance P, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) functioning as effective secretogogues. Liquid secretion is driven by the active transepithelial secretion of both Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) and at least a portion of this process is mediated by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which is highly expressed in glands. The potential role of submucosal glands in cystic fibrosis lung disease is discussed.
Ballard
Stephen T
ST
Department of Physiology, MSB 3074, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA. sballard@usouthal.edu
Inglis
Sarah K
SK
D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000378:metabolism*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D014132:Trachea / Q000378:metabolism*; D008055:Lipids
D008055:Lipids