Suitability of cryopreserved samples for pharmacological studies of ciliary activity

The effect of terbutaline sulfate on the ciliary activity of fresh and cryopreserved human nasal epithelium was evaluated. Cryopreservation had no effect on baseline ciliary beat frequency. Both fresh and cryopreserved samples exposed to 10(-4) M terbutaline showed a statistically significant increase in ciliary beat frequency (27 and 25%, respectively). When the percentage changes after drug challenge for fresh and cryopreserved samples were compared no statistical difference emerged. It is concluded that cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees C does not affect membrane receptors, at least beta-adrenergic receptors, and therefore cryopreserved samples are suitable for pharmacological studies of ciliary activity.