[The influence of a new beta agonist: formoterol on mucociliary function]

The muco-ciliary apparatus has an essential role in the cleansing of the tracheo-bronchial tree of particulate matter. Disturbances linked to muco-ciliary function are well known in respiratory pathology and in cases of chronic bronchitis and asthma and lead to a reduced capacity for cleansing. In addition there are numerous pharmacological agents including sympathomimetics which are capable of altering the ciliary activity and the rheological properties of mucous. The role of Formoterol, administered as an aerosol has been assessed in vivo in 10 bronchitic patients who were in a stable state. After 6 days of treatment using the Formoterol aerosol the muco-ciliary clearance had significantly increased to 46% and was a real gain when compared to the muco-ciliary clearance measured on placebo. This gain was linked to a better function of the muco-ciliary carpet and not due to the bronchodilatation which was induced by Formoterol, because the penetration index did not change. At the same time the airway resistance was slightly reduced in a none significant fashion.