Related Experiment Videos
Cilia and sperm tail abnormalities in Polynesian bronchiectatics
Lancet (London, England)
|July 15, 1978
Abstract:
Sperm tails and bronchial cilia from Polynesians with bronchiectasis were examined in the electron microscope. The outer doublet tubules of the axonemal skeleton in these organelles either lacked dynein arms or had only partial arms. Various other cilial abnormalities were common. The sperm were immotile and pulmonary mucociliary clearance was reduced or absent.
Insights
Sperm and cilia in Polynesians with bronchiectasis showed defects in dynein arms, leading to immotile sperm and impaired pulmonary mucociliary clearance. These structural abnormalities explain the reduced clearance observed in the study.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition characterized by irreversible airway dilation.
- Ciliary dysfunction is implicated in various respiratory diseases, including bronchiectasis.
- Defects in sperm motility and ciliary function can impact fertility and mucociliary clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural basis of ciliary and sperm tail abnormalities in Polynesians with bronchiectasis.
- To correlate observed structural defects with clinical manifestations of reduced pulmonary mucociliary clearance.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine the axonemal structure of sperm tails and bronchial cilia.
- Samples were obtained from Polynesian patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis.
Main Results:
- Electron microscopy revealed a consistent absence or partial presence of dynein arms in the outer doublet tubules of the axonemal skeleton.
- Numerous other abnormalities in ciliary structure were frequently observed.
- Sperm were found to be immotile.
- Pulmonary mucociliary clearance was significantly reduced or entirely absent in the studied individuals.
Conclusions:
- The observed ultrastructural defects in dynein arms and cilia are strongly associated with bronchiectasis in this Polynesian cohort.
- These ciliary and sperm defects provide a clear explanation for the impaired pulmonary mucociliary clearance and potential fertility issues in affected individuals.