[Effect of bromhexine on the tracheal secretory cells with enhanced mucus synthesis by pilocarpine treatment (author's transl)].

The effects of bromhexine on secretory activities of canine tracheal secretory cells with stimulated synthesis of acid glycoprotein (AGP) by pilocarpine 10(-6)M treatment an on behaviour of glycoprotein in these secretory cells were investigated histologically and histochemically. Following bromhexine treatment, the number of total glycoprotein-containing goblet cells (GC) remained unchanged. The numbers of AGP-containing and sulphated glycoprotein (SGP)-containing GC significantly decreased, while neutral glycoprotein (NGP)-containing GC significantly increased. The acinar inner diameter of the submucosal gland and the acinar inner diameter of this gland to wall ratio slightly increased. Thickness of the acinus and Reid index slightly decreased, concentration-dependently. AGP and SGP content in glandular cells decreased, while NGP content in these cells markedly increased. Bromhexine 10(-5) and 10(-4)M treatment resulted in increased total saccharide and protein concentrations in the incubation fluid, whereas the agent significantly decreased N-acetylhexosamine, in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that while bromhexine does not stimulate secretory activities of GC, it does slightly stimulate the activities of the submucosal glands. Bromhexine markedly dissolves AGP in the granules of these secretory cells.