A study of the rheology and biochemistry of saliva and tracheobronchial mucus gels

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Marriott, C.^{; *} | Irons, L.I.^{; **}

Affiliations: Tobacco Research Council Laboratories, Otley Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England

Note: [*] Now at Department of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD (to whom enquiries should be addressed).

Note: [**] Now at Microbiological Research Establishment, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wilts.

Abstract: Rheological measurements in the creep mode have been carried out on saliva and tracheobronchial mucus gels obtained from cats using a cone and plate air turbine viscometer. The results obtained show that the gel networks of these materials arc similar. Examination of the rheological and biochemical parameters of the gels showed that for mucus there was a correlation between viscosity and elasticity and protein concentration, while for saliva there was a correlation between elasticity and protein and sulphate content. No correlation could be found between the viscosity of saliva and the protein, sulphate, sialic acid or hexose content. The significance of these results in relation to the properties of the macromolecules present in the secretions is discussed.

DOI: 10.3233/BIR-1974-11203

Journal: Biorheology, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 119-128, 1974