Recombinant human DNase I reduces the viscosity of cystic fibrosis sputum.

S Shak, DJ Capon, R Hellmiss… - Proceedings of the …, 1990 - National Acad Sciences
S Shak, DJ Capon, R Hellmiss, SA Marsters, CL Baker
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1990National Acad Sciences
Respiratory distress and progressive lung destruction in cystic fibrosis can be attributed to
bacterial persistence and the accumulation of viscous purulent secretions in the airways.
More than 30 yr ago it was suggested that the large amounts of DNA in purulent secretions
contribute to its viscosity and that bovine pancreatic DNase I could reduce the viscosity. To
evaluate the potential clinical utility of recombinant human DNase I (rhDNase) in the
treatment of cystic fibrosis, we have cloned, sequenced, and expressed rhDNase. Catalytic …
Respiratory distress and progressive lung destruction in cystic fibrosis can be attributed to bacterial persistence and the accumulation of viscous purulent secretions in the airways. More than 30 yr ago it was suggested that the large amounts of DNA in purulent secretions contribute to its viscosity and that bovine pancreatic DNase I could reduce the viscosity. To evaluate the potential clinical utility of recombinant human DNase I (rhDNase) in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, we have cloned, sequenced, and expressed rhDNase. Catalytic amounts of rhDNase greatly reduce the viscosity of purulent cystic fibrosis sputum, transforming it within minutes from a nonflowing viscous gel to a flowing liquid. The reduction in viscosity is associated with a decrease in size of DNA in the sputum. Inhalation of a rhDNase aerosol may be a simple direct approach that will help individuals with cystic fibrosis and other patients with pneumonia or bronchitis to clear their airways of purulent secretions.
National Acad Sciences