Cigarette smoke condensate inhibits transepithelial chloride transport and ciliary beat frequency.
OBJECTIVE
Although the pathophysiology leading to rhinosinusitis is complex, evidence indicates that decreased mucociliary clearance (MCC) is a major contributing feature. Normal respiratory epithelial MCC is an important host defense mechanism that is dependent on proper ciliary beating and the biological properties of the airway surface liquid (ASL). The role that tobacco smoke exposure plays as an inhibitor of MCC has yet to be elucidated. The present study investigates the consequences of cigarette smoke exposure on ciliary function and transepithelial chloride (Cl(-)) secretion, a major determinant of ASL.


METHODS
In vitro investigation.


METHODS
Well-characterized primary murine nasal septal epithelial (MNSE) and human sinonasal epithelial (HSNE) cultures were exposed to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and compared to control cultures. Effects on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and Cl(-) secretion were investigated using pharmacologic manipulation.


RESULTS
Change in forskolin-stimulated current (DeltaI(SC)), representing transepithelial Cl(-) secretion, was significantly decreased in CSC exposed MNSE (14.97 +/- 1.2 microA/cm(2) vs. control, 19.1 +/- 1.56 microA/cm(2) [P = .04]) and HSNE (2.68 +/- 0.79 muA/cm(2) vs. control, 10.8 +/- 1.73 microA/cm(2)) cultures (P = .001). Forskolin-stimulated CBF was also significantly reduced when acutely exposed to CSC (5.64 +/- 0.06 Hz vs. control 7.15 +/- 0.18 Hz).


CONCLUSIONS
The present study provides direct evidence that tobacco smoke diminishes two major components of MCC. This links tobacco smoke as a potential contributing and/or exacerbating factor in exposed individuals with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Noam A
NA
Cohen
Shaoyan
S
Zhang
Dawn B
DB
Sharp
Edwin
E
Tamashiro
Bei
B
Chen
Eric J
EJ
Sorscher
Bradford A
BA
Woodworth
D000818:Animals; D002712:Chlorides / Q000378:metabolism*; D002923:Cilia / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012906:Smoke
D002712:Chlorides; D012906:Smoke