THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON NASAL CILIARY BEAT FREQUENCY

Using a photometric method of measuring ciliary beat frequency, the ef fect of temperature on ciliary activity was investigated. A linear inc rease in ciliary beat frequency between 19 degrees and 32 degrees C wa s found. Between 32 degrees and 40 degrees a plateau was reached in wh ich temperature did not significantly affect frequency and above 40 de grees C the frequency began to decline, It is concluded that nasal cil ia are not critically dependent upon temperature in the range 32 degre es and 40 degrees C, the temperature range in which this tissue normal ly operates.