Use of dextran and other polysaccharides to improve mucus clearance

Abstract

This invention relates to the use of polysaccharide such as dextran to improve mucus clearance. In the present invention, dextran has been shown to reduce viscoelasticity and increase mucus clearability of sputum of cystic fibrosis patients. Dextran also reduced viscoelasticity of healthy dog mucus. The present invention therefore may be used to improve mucus clearance in cystic fibrosis patients and treat other conditions associated with defect in airway mucus clearance including chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and bronchial asthma.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of improving mucus clearance comprising administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of a polysaccharide.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polysaccharide is dextran.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the dextran is administered in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the diluent is sodium chloride or Ringer solution.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the dextran is administered to the respiratory tract topically or by aerosol.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the dextran has an average molecular weight of less than 500,000.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the dextran has a molecular weight range of about 360 to about 4000.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the dextran is present in the respiratory secretion at a concentration of about 4 mg/ml to about 40 mg/ml.  
     
     
         9 . A method of treating lung disease associated with impaired mucus clearance comprising administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of a polysaccharide.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the lung disease is cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis or bronchial asthma.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the polysaccharide is dextran.  
     
     
         12 . A method of improving mucus clearability in a patient having cystic fibrosis comprising administering to the respiratory tract of said patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of dextran.