Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

In vivo Evaluation of Mucociliary Clearance in Mice
06:35

In vivo Evaluation of Mucociliary Clearance in Mice

Published on: December 18, 2020

Bronchiectasis in children with recurrent pneumonia: an immunopathological damage associated with secondary ciliary

M Pifferi1, D Caramella, V Ragazzo

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. m.pifferi@med.unipi.it

International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
|March 14, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Ciliary dysmotility is common in children with bronchiectasis, correlating with disease severity. This suggests a link between impaired ciliary function and the development of this lung condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Cell Biology

Background:

  • Recurrent pneumonia in children can indicate underlying respiratory issues.
  • Bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition, affects airway structure and function.
  • Ciliary function is crucial for clearing respiratory secretions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate ciliary motion patterns in children with bronchiectasis.
  • To compare ciliary function in affected children versus healthy controls.
  • To determine the relationship between ciliary dysmotility and bronchiectasis severity.

Main Methods:

  • High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) to diagnose and score bronchiectasis.
  • Assessment of ciliary ultrastructure, beat frequency, and motion patterns.
  • Comparison of findings in 51 children with bronchiectasis and 30 healthy children.

Main Results:

  • Bronchiectasis was identified in 31 of 51 children.
  • Ciliary dysmotility was present in 64.5% of children with bronchiectasis and 76.5% overall.
  • Ciliary dysmotility significantly correlated with HRCT scores (p=0.02) and absent ciliary motion (p=0.005).

Conclusions:

  • Ciliary dysmotility is associated with the presence and severity of bronchiectasis in children.
  • A potential self-maintaining mechanism between ciliary dysfunction and airway lesions exists.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the causal relationship between ciliary dysmotility and bronchiectasis.

More Related Videos

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice15:43

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice

Published on: March 17, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...