In vivo effect of wood smoke on the expression of two mucin genes in rat airways

A short-term, time-dependent smoke exposure of rats in a nose-only chamber to burning wood and 24-h recovery time revealed inflammation of the airways with varying degrees of injury from loss of cilia, degeneration of epithelium, and squamous metaplasia to submucosal edema. These histological changes were reflected in variable expression of the secretory Muc5AC and low expression of membrane-associated Muc4 mucin genes. 20-min smoke exposure in extended recovery experiments showed marked disorder of tracheal epithelium for up to 72 h of recovery with a return to normal by 7 days. Gene expressions were elevated at 24 and 48 h of recovery. 30-min smoke exposure showed a more severe degeneration of the epithelium and a longer recovery time. Muc5AC expression decreased after 72 h of recovery, while there was upregulation of Muc4 gene from 48 through 96 h. Because Muc4 upregulation and histological results correlate and it has reportedly been associated with epithelium renewal, Muc4 gene may be a useful marker for the regeneration of tracheal epithelium.