Request Expert

Expert has expertise in mucus rheology, coughing and cough clearance. His research in mucology involves the study of airway surface fluid (ASF) and how it contributes to lung defense. ASF, the secretory product of the respiratory tract, is composed of water, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. It provides a protective milieu for the airways; its composition and physical characteristics allow for normal ciliary activity and airway hygiene. ASF is transported from the airways of the lung by airflow and mucociliary clearance. When disruption of normal secretory or mucociliary clearance processes occurs, abnormal respiratory secretions can impair pulmonary function, reduce lung defenses, and increase the risk for infection and possibly neoplasia.

He has also studied the basic mechanisms involved in cough clearance using a simulated cough machine. Clinical studies involve the collection and in vitro analysis of mucus from patients with various lung diseases and different treatments. He has focused some of his research on chronic bronchitis, asthma, lung cancer and cystic fibrosis, in all of which mucus dysfunction plays a role. He is also interested and has experience in the in vivo assessment of airway clearance and bioelectric properties.

Finally, since mucus clearance is promoted both by ciliary action and by airflow or cough, he has complemented his investigations by studying mechanical models of cough and isolated epithelial preparations, as well as mathematical analysis of the interaction between airflow, ciliary movement and mucus transport.

Expert developed the frog palate assay as a means of evaluating the ciliary clearability of mucus gels. In addition, working with a magnetic microrheometer, he was able to characterize the properties of respiratory tract mucus, as well as monitor the changes in mucus viscoelasticity in experimental manipulations.

Expert's major research interests are in the field of epithelial defense mechanisms, particularly as they relate to lung diseases involving mucociliary dysfunction. He is also interested in other organ systems where mucus is present, e.g. gastrointestinal and cervical epithelia. In cystic fibrosis, his recent research has related to the abnormal regulation of airway fluid. It has included studies on lung transplantation and on the pharmacoregulation of the ion transport defect. Expert has also been studying the role of neuropeptides in epithelial function, which relates particularly to asthma. His most recent research interests include pulmonary surfactants and mucus clearance, effect of proteases on airway secretion, and therapy for cystic fibrosis, using novel agents such as hypertonic saline and oligosaccharides.

With regard to smoking and lung cancer, Expert has been exploring the cytoprotective role of mucus and the factors which may cause its breakdown. He developed a model of experimental chronic bronchitis involving exposure of dogs to cigarette smoking via a tracheostomy.

/