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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

In vivo Evaluation of Mucociliary Clearance in Mice

In vivo Evaluation of Mucociliary Clearance in Mice

Published on: December 18, 2020

Mucociliary clearance: pathophysiological aspects.

Mathias Munkholm¹, Jann Mortensen

¹Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging

|October 15, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Mucociliary clearance is a key lung defense. This review covers its function, diseases, and a validated test for assessing mucociliary clearance in patients with recurrent airway issues.

Keywords:

cough clearance diagnostic test mucociliary clearance overview

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In vivo Evaluation of Mucociliary Clearance in Mice

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Determining Ciliary Function and Membrane Impermeability of the Pseudostratified Lung Airway Epithelium

Determining Ciliary Function and Membrane Impermeability of the Pseudostratified Lung Airway Epithelium

Published on: February 21, 2025

Area of Science:

Respiratory Medicine
Pulmonology
Physiology

Background:

Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is a vital innate defense mechanism in the airways.
Defective MCC is implicated in various lung diseases, driving therapeutic development.
In vivo methods to study MCC in humans are now available.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical aspects of MCC.
To present a clinically applicable test for in vivo MCC assessment.
To provide a validated protocol for diagnosing conditions like primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Main Methods:

Literature review of MCC anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.
Description of a validated in vivo MCC assessment test.
Presentation of a diagnostic protocol used in clinical practice.

Main Results:

Established knowledge on MCC mechanisms and its role in lung health.
Development of methods to assess MCC in vivo.
Validation of a specific test for clinical use in airway disease diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Understanding MCC is crucial for diagnosing and managing lung diseases.
In vivo assessment tools enhance diagnostic capabilities for airway disorders.
The presented protocol offers a reliable method for evaluating MCC function.