Studies of the mechanism of mucin secretion by cells of the porcine tracheal epithelium

Abstract The effects of selected pharmacological agents on mucin secretion by the tracheal epithelium of piglets were studied using organ culture. Mucin release into the culture medium was reduced, and mucin retention by secretory cells of the mucosa and submucosal glands was increased, by colchicine, vinblastine sulfate, and cytochalasin B. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP had no significant effect. Although these agents have diverse and poorly understood influences on cell functions, the results suggest a possible role for mi-crotubules and microfilaments in the intracellular movement and release of mucin.