The mechanism underlying the abnormality in the sweat gland

The mechanism underlying the abnormality in the sweat gland is the improper functioning of ion transport. Secretion occurs in the granular coil which “is modified as it traverses the sweat duct” before being released on the surface of the skin (Quinton, 2007). In a person without CF, the sodium and chloride ions in that order are reabsorbed from the ductular lumen via CFTR and apical sodium channels. However, in a patient with CF the improper functioning of CFTR inhibits the reabsorption of the ions thus, the amount of salts that get absorbed is poor (Quinton, 2007). Consequently, a patient’s sweat contains a high concentration of salt (Rowe, Miller & Sorscher, 2005).