Mucus In Health and Disease I

There has long been a need for a multidisciplinary approach to the study of mucus, a unique biological material found throughout the animal kingdom at many levels of organization. Although mucus of different origins is collectively recognized by its distinctive physical properties, the functions of mucus have specific characteristics suited to its particular location. The biophysical properties of mucus are related to these functions and although similar in some aspects, differ according to the role played by the organ concerned. To a major extent these physical properties depend on the biochemistry of the mucus and on the biosynthetic processes involved in its production. It is now well apparent that mucus from a particular site has certain features in common with mucus obtained from different sites, yet in other ways it is specific to its particular anatomical tract and physiological functions. Advances in technology for the study of high molecular weight biological polymers have facilitated the study of the physical properties and biochemical structure of mucus glycoprotein. This together with the increased awareness of the clinical importance of mucus has provided the impetus for this conference. It seemed appropriate therefore, to bring together basic scientists and clinicians working in the three major fields of investigation of human mucus, namely, the gastrointestinal, respiratory and genitourinary tracts, and thereby to encourage the exchange of ideas and expertise. Important and novel aspects of mucus structure and function were raised during the symposium; one particular area, perhaps originally neglected by the programme organizers, being that of the human eye. The wide ranging discussion revealed exciting new developments in the relationship between the glycoproteins of mucus and those of the cell surface and the possible relationship of these latter to carcinogenesis. The rate and form of mucus secretion were found to be a reflection of both cell turn-over and cell-life. The mature cell produces abundant mucus with its particular protective, lubricant and transportation roles in the tissues, whilst the rapidly growing cell in hyperplastic conditions produces less mucus, perhaps of a different type, possibly related to cell transformation and the development of malignancy. The role of the glycosyl transferases in the synthesis of specific glycoproteins, that confer particular physical properties on cervical mucus which thus prevents or facilitates sperm transport, is an exciting concept. The release of enzyme inhibitors into the cervical canal has interesting possible application in the development of contraceptives which would act by altering the cervical mucus, and thereby preventing sperm migration. Means of measuring cilial function remain elusive and are urgently required, particularly for investigation in the respiratory tract. This Symposium has been a valuable and fruitful meeting of concepts and ideas concerning a difficult and fascinating biological material, which is not without its frustrations. The objectives of bringing together investigators from the various fields of mucus have been amply fulfilled. The general enthusiasm, and the duration of the discussions, throughout this meeting reflected the vital nature of this subject and was felt by all those involved at each level. The value of this interchange of ideas was evident from the widely expressed desire for a similar meeting in a few years to evaluate new discoveries in this rapidly evolving and dynamic area of medical research.