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Updated: May 5, 2026

In vivo Evaluation of Mucociliary Clearance in Mice
Published on: December 18, 2020
Ciliary dysfunction and ultrastructural abnormalities are features of severe asthma.
Biju Thomas1, Andrew Rutman, Robert A Hirst
1Institute for Lung Health, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.
Ciliary dysfunction and abnormal airway epithelium structure are linked to asthma severity. These issues are present in moderate to severe asthma, with significant structural damage seen in severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Epithelial dysfunction is a known factor in asthma.
- Previous research has not directly evaluated ciliary function in asthma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ciliary function and epithelial ultrastructure in asthma patients compared to healthy controls.
- To correlate these findings with asthma severity.
Main Methods:
- Digital high-speed video imaging was used to assess ciliary beat frequency and pattern.
- Transmission electron microscopy examined bronchial epithelial ultrastructure.
- The study included patients with mild, moderate, and severe asthma, alongside healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Ciliary beat frequency was reduced in moderate and severe asthma.
- Abnormal ciliary beat patterns (dyskinesia and immotility) were significantly higher in severe asthma.
- Severe asthma showed epithelial abnormalities including reduced ciliated cells, increased cell death, disorientation, microtubular defects, and mitochondrial damage, all correlating with disease severity.
Conclusions:
- Ciliary dysfunction and epithelial ultrastructural abnormalities are closely associated with asthma severity.
- Ciliary dysfunction is evident in moderate to severe asthma.
- Profound ultrastructural damage is specific to severe asthma, suggesting a role in disease progression.
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