Decreases in ciliary beat frequency due to intranasal administration of propranolol.

Recently the intranasal application of 5% propranolol was proposed in order to prevent the extensive first-pass metabolism of this drug. The ciliary epithelium in the nose affects the removal of dust, allergens, and microorganisms. The decreasing effect of propranolol on the ciliary beat frequency of human adenoid tissue and chicken embryo tracheas was measured with a photoelectric registration device. After nasal application of 5% propranolol, the drop is diluted by the nasal mucus. It was found that even 0.1% propranolol had a deleterious effect on the cilia of chicken and human tissue. Ciliary movement was arrested irreversibly within 20 min.