What are the histological features associated with CFTR dysfunction?
In the context of histology, CFTR dysfunction manifests as several key features. In the lungs, the thick mucus obstructs airways and leads to chronic infections and inflammation, which can be observed as thickened bronchial walls and infiltrates of inflammatory cells. In the pancreas, the obstruction of pancreatic ducts by thick mucus results in atrophy and fibrosis of the glandular tissue, impairing digestive enzyme secretion.