S. Lindberg et T. Runer, METHOD FOR IN-VIVO MEASUREMENT OF MUCOCILIARY ACTIVITY IN THE HUMAN NOSE, The Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology, 103(7), 1994, pp. 558-566
The aim of the investigation was to develop a method for observing muc
ociliary activity in the human nose in vivo without possible artifacts
introduced by anesthesia or surgical intervention. A probe containing
an optical system was constructed for the purpose, mucociliary activi
ty on the nasal septum being photoelectrically analyzed by computer. C
hallenges with pharmacologic substances were administered with a stand
ardized nebulizer delivering an aerosol heated to 33 degrees C. The ba
seline mucociliary wave frequency in vivo was 691.7 +/- 93.0 waves per
minute (11.5 +/- 1.6 Hz), and the corresponding ciliary beat frequenc
y in vitro was 800.7 +/- 85.4 beats per minute (13.3 +/- 1.4 Hz). The
coefficients of variation were 13.4% between individuals and 11.3% +/-
2.1% (range 8.3% to 14.3%) within a subject, The method showed good r
eproducibility regarding recordings from different spots on the mucosa
and on a day-to-day basis. Challenge with the beta 2-agonist terbutal
ine sulfate produced an increase of mucociliary activity of 40.6% +/-
7.8% (mean +/- SEM), which is consistent with previous results in anim
al models. This is the first report of a method suitable for in vivo s
tudies of the mucociliary effects of challenge with autonomic agonists
and airway irritants in humans.