METHOD FOR IN-VIVO MEASUREMENT OF MUCOCILIARY ACTIVITY IN THE HUMAN NOSE

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.