Ion transport, ciliary activity and mechanosensitivity of sinusal mucosa: an in vitro study. Leuba, D., Y. De Ribaupierre, and P. Kucera. Service of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Centre and Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
APStracts 3:0078L, 1996.
Hypothesis was tested that relative movement between respiratory epithelium and surrounding fluid modulates both ciliary activity and mucosal secretion-absorption properties. Fresh human(HM) and bovine(BM) sinusal mucosae were mounted in transparent chambers perfused with defined media at 36oC. The fluid advanced along the ciliated surface at 15-30 m/s. Transepithelial transport of electrolytes was studied by using voltage-clamp technique. Ciliary beating frequency(CBF) was recorded by using laser reflectometry. Average transmucosal potential difference (apical side negative) and short circuit current(Isc) were -0.5mV and 17 Acm-2 for HM, and, -1.4mV and 28 Acm-2 for BM. Average CBF was 900 beats/min. Ionic pathways included: basolateral Na,K,ATPase, K+ channels and symports for Na-Cl and Na-glucose, and, apical channels for Na+ (absorption) and Cl- and K+ (secretion). Increase of fluid velocity up to 300 m/s induced significant increase of both Isc(63%) and CBF(29%). Such adaptations of transepithelial fluid transport and ciliary activity to hydrodynamic conditions might reflect a mechanism of co-ordination between the secretion of mucus electrolytes and mucociliary clearance.

Received 11 April 1995; accepted in final form 19 January 1996.
APS Manuscript Number L112-5.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Lung Cell. Mol.
Physiology).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1996 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 28 May 96