[Rheological properties of human bronchial secretions: demonstration of proline-rich polypeptides and their role (author's transl)].

Human bronchial secretions were examined for chemical components and rheological properties. Proline-rich polypeptides (PRP) obtained by ultrasonic treatment and by contact with a cationic resin (AG 50WX2) were purified by gel-filtration chromatography and high-voltage electrophoresis. The chemical composition of these components allowed a classification according to their proline, glycine, glutamic acid and lysine contents. Rheological experiments suggest a biological role for the PRP in the fibrillar structure of sputum.