The use of purified mucus glycoprotein gels in the assessment of mucolytic activity.

The effects of a wide range of mucolytic agents on the viscoelastic nature of a purified mucus glycoprotein gel have been investigated. The gel was produced by ultrafiltration of a solution containing high molecular weight glycoproteins obtained by gel chromatography in potassium thiocyanate. The fact that compounds as diverse as dithiothreitol and protease reduced the viscoelastic properties indicates that the model gel is appropriate for screening such compounds. Since it is homogenous and highly reproducible then it would appear to be ideal for such purposes. Also, it has been shown that mucus gels can be formed containing nothing but glycoproteins.