ABSTRACT
In previous studies, we have reported bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) findings following single and repeated exposures to NO2. Here, we present the first data on measurements of the frequency of the mucociliary activity in healthy subjects following exposure to NO2. Twenty four healthy nonsmoking volunteers underwent fibreoptic bronchoscopy, during which mucociliary activity was measured using an in vivo method based on a two-way fibreoptic system, to obtain baseline data. Two weeks later, the subjects were reinvestigated following NO2 exposure. Eight volunteers were investigated 45 min after a 20 min exposure to 1.5 ppm NO2 (Group A); eight subjects 45 min after a 20 min exposure to 3.5 ppm NO2 (Group B); and eight subjects 24 h after a 4 h exposure to 3.5 ppm NO2 (Group C). No activity was detected in Group A or B 45 min after exposure, in contrast to the easily identifiable mucociliary activity waves at the reference bronchoscopy. In group C, a significant elevation of the frequency of the mucociliary activity waves was seen at 24 h. It is concluded that short-term exposure to NO2 in man produces a significant reduction in the mucociliary activity 45 min after exposure. The effect ceases within 24 h. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of repeated exposures with NO2 on mucociliary activity in man.
Subject(s)
Mucociliary Clearance/drug effects , Nitrogen Dioxide/adverse effects , Adult , Bronchoscopy , Exercise Test , Female , Fiber Optic Technology , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
An in vivo method for the study of mucociliary activity in the human trachea and bronchi is presented. The method is based on a two-way fibre-optic system whereby reflections of light emitted by one glass-fibre and reflected by the cilia are picked up by a second glass fibre and transmitted to a recording unit. The glass fibre system is designed to be used in conjunction with a regular fibre bronchoscope, and is convenient for routine use in daily clinical work. As reference material, 15 subjects aged 23-73 years without evidence of disease were examined in their right upper bronchus. The average cilial beat frequency was found to be 12.0 +/- 1.0 (SD) waves per second.
Subject(s)
Bronchi/physiology , Bronchoscopes , Mucociliary Clearance , Adult , Aged , Bronchoscopy/methods , Equipment Design , Female , Fiber Optic Technology , Humans , Male , Middle AgedSubject(s)
Kidney Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adult , Autopsy , Biopsy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Radionuclide Imaging , UrographyABSTRACT
A method permitting simultaneous recording in vitro of the intracellular and extracellular ( = mucociliary) activity of respiratory ciliated mucous membrane is presented. Using this method the influence of different temperature levels (20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees C) upon the tracheal mucous membrane of 15 rabbits has been investigated. It is shown 1) that the extracellular ( = mucociliary) activity increases with rising temperatures whereas the intracellular activity is unaffected and remains constant, indicating a temperature influence upon the respiratory tract mucus rather than a change of the intracellular "pace-maker" mechanism; 2) that the restraining effect of the mucus decreases with rising temperatures but is still 10% of the intracellular frequency at body temperature; 3) that the presented method should be useful for future investigations concerning the effect of air-pollution and pharmacological substances upon respiratory mucous membranes.
Subject(s)
Cilia/physiology , Action Potentials , Animals , In Vitro Techniques , Microelectrodes , Mucous Membrane/physiology , Rabbits , Temperature , Trachea/physiologyABSTRACT
The immediate effect of ionizing radiation on the activity of the ciliated epithelium of the trachea has been investigated using a light reflection method. This method enables continuous registration of the mucociliary activity both during and after irradiation. A notable increase of the mucociliary activity occurred within 5 seconds after beginning of irradiation and this activity reached its maximum 10 seconds after initial exposure with a dose rate of 0.34 Gy/s (34 rad/s). The mechanism causing the phenomena observed is not clear but theoretically it might be due to ATP, the source of energy of the cilia being freed by the irradiation, possibly through disturbances of the permeability in the mitochondrion membranes.
Subject(s)
Cilia/radiation effects , Trachea/radiation effects , Animals , Epithelium/radiation effects , Muscle Contraction/radiation effects , Rabbits , Radiation Dosage , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Experimental in vitro studies have been made on the intracellular electrical activity and the extracellular wave movements of ciliary cells in rabbit trachea. The following results were obtained: 1. Surface light reflections from the mucous layer and from the ends of moving cilia showed about the same frequency and amplitude pattern as the intracellular action potential oscillations at 40 degrees C and 50 degrees C. At lower temperatures, however, there was a considerable discrepancy between them. 2. Surface light reflections from mucociliary wave movements had the same frequency in two areas 20 mum apart, but amplitude variations were out of phase. 3. Intracellular oscillations with a frequency of 18-21 per sec and a maximum amplitude of 1 mV have been recorded. Amplitude variations indicating rhythmical frequency variations have also been recorded. 4. The mean frequency of the intracellular action potential oscillations showed no remarkable differences at 20 degrees C, 30 degrees C, 40 degrees C and 50 degrees C.
