OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of ephedrine on human nasal cilia movement.

METHODSCiliary beat frequency (CBF) of cultured human nasal epithelial cells was measured by high-speed digital microscopy in HBSS and ephedrine solution of different concentrations in 10 minutes.

RESULTSCBF of cultured nasal epithelial cells exposed to HBSS showed no significant changes in 10 minutes. However, in 2.5 g/L , 5 g/L, 10 g/L and 20 g/L ephedrine solution, CBF increased significantly in 1-2 minutes and reached the apex, then it decreased gradually, at the 10th minute. CBF of the samples exposed to 2.5 g/L and 5 g/L ephedrine solution were slower than those in HBSS, but no significant changes were found. However, in 10 g/L and 20 g/L ephedrine solution, CBF decreased significantly when compared with samples in sHBSS. With the concentrations from 2.5 g/L to 20 g/L ephedrine, the increment was independent on the concentration, the inhibitory effect was dependent on the concentration.

CONCLUSIONSIn initial time, 2. 5 g/L-20 g/L ephedrine stimulated CBF, then 10 g/L-20 g/L ephedrine inhibited CBF. The stimulation of 2.5 g/L and 5 g/L ephedrine on CBF was longer than that of 10 g/L and 20 g/L ephedrine. 5 g/L ephedrine had maximum stimulatory effect without obvious inhibitory effect on cultured human nasal CBF.