INFLUENCE OF COCAINE AND LIDOCAINE ON HUMAN NASAL CILIA - BEAT FREQUENCY AND HARMONY IN-VITRO

The effects of cocaine and lidocaine on ciliary beat frequency and cil iary beat harmony were studied in biopsy specimens of normal human nas al mucosa. Cocaine was investigated in increasing concentrations (0.87 5%, 1.75%, 3.5%, and 7%) in five samples; lidocaine (0.125%, 0.25%, 0. 5%, 1%, and 2%), in four samples. Ciliary beat was recorded photoelect rically and the signal was analyzed. Cocaine was found to decrease cil iary beat frequency and ciliary beat harmony at concentrations of 1.75 % and higher. Partially reversible ciliostasis was seen at 7%. Lidocai ne was found to decrease ciliary beat frequency and ciliary beat harmo ny at concentrations of 0.25% and higher. Irreversible ciliostasis was seen at 2%. Cocaine and lidocaine affected ciliary beat frequency and ciliary beat harmony in the same way.