Effects of Air Ions on Isolated Rabbit Trachea.

Abstract

Sections of rabbit trachea were placed in plastic chambers containing air at 21[degree]-23[degree]C and 80-100% relative humidity. Measurements were made of Ciliary Flicker and Mucus Flow in controls and in preparations exposed to (+) or (-) air ions impinging at the rate of 1 x l09/cm2/second. (+) ions depressed or stopped ciliary activity while (-) ions increased it. (-) ions promptly reversed the inhibitory effect of (+) ions. (+) ions generally decreased or stopped mucus flow; (-) ions increased it in 50% of experiments and in 50% had no effect. (+) ions caused contraction of the membranous posterior wall of the trachea; (-) ions reversed this action. (+) ions induced a dry, non-glossy appearance of the mucosal surface; (-) ions had little effect. (+) ions rendered the cilia peculiarly vulnerable to mechanical trauma; this state was reversed by (-) ions.