A method for measuring polymorphonuclear leukocyte concentrations in nasal mucus.
A method is described for measuring polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) concentrations in expelled nasal mucus. Nasal mucus specimens (0.05-0.15 ml) were diluted 1:60 in Hank's balanced salt solution. Diluted mucus was vigorously agitated to disperse contained cells, and cells were counted in a hemocytometer. The mean PMN counts in nasal mucus from healthy young adults was 7.1 X 10(6) PMNs/ml mucus, but large daily fluctuations were observed in PMN counts in the same individual. This method may be useful to investigate inflammatory conditions of the nasal cavity.
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000379:methods*; D009093:Mucus / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D009504:Neutrophils