In vitro study on the influence of N-chlorotaurine on the ciliary beat frequency of nasal mucosa.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of N-chlorotaurine (NCT), a new endogenous antimicrobial agent, on the nasal ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in nasal mucosa samples of 10 adult patients who underwent conchotomy.

Methods: CBF was measured by a photometric technique, combining a light microscope, a photometer, a photograph multiplier, and a computed analyzing unit.

Results: CBF decreased approximately 10% after 20 minutes of incubation in aqueous 1% NCT solution compared with 3% in 0.9% saline, and 0.1 and 0.01% NCT had no effect. However, a solution of 7% cocaine, which is used routinely for shrinking the nasal mucosa before rhinoscopy lowered the CBF to 50% after the same incubation time.

Conclusion: These results confirm the very low toxic potential of NCT, and they are fundamental for clinical investigations regarding its topical application in the nasal and paranasal sinuses.