Mucociliary transport.

Our laboratory has developed bronchofiberscopic and roentgenographic techniques to measure tracheal, bronchial and nasal mucus velocities in humans and animals. We found that inhalation of specific antigen is associated with depression of tracheal mucus velocity in dogs who may or may not display bronchospasm and the mediator for this phenomenon might be SRS-A. Corroboration of the depression of tracheal mucus transport after ragweed inhalation has been obtained in susceptible asthmatic patients; prior inhalation of cromolyn blocks this reaction. Depression of tracheal mucus transport may be the earliest adverse manifestation of cigarette smoking in young subjects. Slowing of mucus transport in the bronchi occurs after suctioning with suction catheters; a newly designed suction catheter tip, the Aero-Flo, displays less adverse effects on mucus velocity than standard end hold and side hole catheters. Nasal mucus velocity is enhanced by nasal decongestants, ingestion of hot fluids and exercise.