EFFECT OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS SERUM ON NASAL MUCOCILIARY CLEARANCE

Studies were performed to detect a possible in vivo effect of the ciliary dyskinesia factor of cystic fibrosis (CF) serum. Following application of serum to the nasal mucosa of CF patients and normal subjects, nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) was assessed by a radioisotope technique. Removal of a radioactive droplet applied to the mucocutaneous junction of the nose was quantified by means of an Anger scintillation camera interfaced to a data storage and retrieval system. Autologous serum applied to the nasal mucosa failed to inhibit MCC in normals or in CF patients, nor did CF serum inhibit MCC in normals. By contrast, an inflammatory response induced by locally applied anti-serum to human IgE retarded MCC in CF patients but not in normals: it is presumed that the local effect of anti-IgE on MCC in CF was the result of an exudation of the serum dyskinesia factor. Possibly, recurrent or persistent pulmonary infection In CF relates to a local exudation of this factor, hindering effective clearance of secretions.Supported by C.F. Foundation, MRC (Canada), Ont. Thoracic Soc., Can. TB & RD Soc.