The in vitro and in vivo effect of a new non-halogenated corticosteroid - budesonide - aerosol on human ciliary epithelial function.

The in vitro and in vivo effect on the ciliary epithelial function of a new corticosteroid (budesonide), with a high topical and negligible systemic activity, was investigated. Ciliary function is an important factor in the nasal clearance mechanism. It must not be hampered by drugs or additives. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured in vitro with a photo-electric method. CBF appeared to be only slightly decreased by the budesonide and placebo aerosols. As there is no significant difference in ciliotoxicity between the aerosols, the small decrease may be caused by the solubilizing excipient. The influence of the aerosols in vivo was measured in human volunteers as changes in mucus transport time (MTT) with the indigocarmine/saccharine sodium method. Ciliotoxicity in vivo could not be found.