Abstract
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 ∼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.
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