[Respiratory mucus: Exploring its viscoelastic properties and their relationship with mucociliary clearance abnormalities].

Abstract

Following an introduction on the structure and function of the respiratory mucus, we describe the viscoelastic properties of mucus, a key determinant of mucociliary clearance, along with the types of measurement devices most commonly used in laboratories. More specifically, this review presents macro- and micro-rheological methods for characterization of the respiratory mucus by means of small sample volumes. We discuss how study of the viscoelastic properties of mucus facilitates understanding of mucus abnormalities in respiratory muco-obstructive diseases and paves the way for the development of therapies effectively targeting mucin cross-linking molecules in view of enhancing patient management.