Fig. 5
From: Mucus threads from surface goblet cells clear particles from the airways
Mucus assemblies collected charcoal particles and fluorescent beads. A Image sequence from a low-resolution time-lapse recording to illustrate mucus assemblies collecting charcoal particles added onto explanted trachea from a newborn WT piglet. Grey arrow points to fast-moving mucus assemblies and arrowhead indicates slow-moving mucus assemblies. Speed of corresponding movie (Additional file 7) increased 16×. B Mucus clearance pattern visualized using beads or charcoal. C Graph comparing transport velocity of mucus assemblies collecting beads (15 values, 9 pigs) or charcoal (15 values, 7 pigs). Collected beads or charcoal moved with the same velocity, Mann–Whitney test P > 0.05. D Image sequence from movie (Additional file 8) recorded in vivo in an anesthetized pig (56 kg). E Image sequence from movie (Additional file 9) recorded in vivo in an anesthetized pig n. Light green arrows point to moving mucus with collected threads and/or bundles in (D and E)