The Mucociliary Activity of the Upper Respiratory Tract

Abstract

A method for standardized recordings of the mucociliary activity of the mucosa in the human respiratory tract is described. Nasal polyps, adenoid vegetations and biopsy material from maxillary sinuses have been used for preliminary in vitro experiments. The dependence of the mucociliary activity on oxygen supply from the surrounding air is emphasized. The influence of varying gas mixtures on the mucociliary activity can be thoroughly studied. The method is also applicable for in vivo recordings in the operating theatre during Luc Caldwell operations. A combination of in vivo and in vitro studies is under way in order to elucidate the aetiology, treatment, and prognosis of diseases of the upper respiratory tract.