Radioisotopic measurement of the mucociliary transportation rate in normal subjects

A new method, 113m In-DTPA [Diethylenetriaminopentoacetic acid] combined with gamma photography was used to measure human nasal mucociliary transportation rate in normal subjects under standard conditions. The mean value of mucociliary transportation rate was 5.7-/+2.98 mm/min. In these subjects there was significant difference between persons 35 years of age and below to 36 years of age and above. No statistical difference was noted between males and females. The rate of flow can be divided into four groups of slow, medium, fast and extra fast clearance rates. Four modes of cilia tranportation are also noted and described