Rheological comparison of sputum and reconstituted airway epithelium mucus.

Pulmonary mucus serves as a crucial protective barrier in the respiratory tract, defending against pathogens and contributing to effective clearance mechanisms. In Muco Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (MOPD), abnormal rheological properties lead to highly viscous mucus, fostering chronic infections and exacerbations. While prior research has linked mucus viscoelasticity to its mucin content, the variability in MOPD patients implies the involvement of other factors.