Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Isolating Bronchial Epithelial Cells from Resected Lung Tissue for Biobanking and Establishing Well-Differentiated Air-Liquid Interface Cultures
08:42

Isolating Bronchial Epithelial Cells from Resected Lung Tissue for Biobanking and Establishing Well-Differentiated Air-Liquid Interface Cultures

Published on: May 26, 2023

3.1K

Nebulized Menthol Impairs Mucociliary Clearance via TRPM8 and MUC5AC/MUC5B in Primary Airway Epithelial Cells

Nathalie Baumlin1, Neerupma Silswal1, John S Dennis1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 21, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Inhaled menthol in e-cigarettes significantly impairs airway clearance mechanisms, reducing ciliary beat frequency and increasing mucus. This suggests menthol poses risks to respiratory health at typical e-cigarette concentrations.

Area of Science:

  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Menthol is a popular flavoring in e-cigarettes, approved by the FDA for some products.
  • The safety of high menthol concentrations inhaled from e-cigarettes is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of menthol on mucociliary clearance (MCC) in airway epithelial cells.
  • To determine the impact of menthol on ciliary function, mucus production, and inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures of primary human airway epithelial cells.
  • Applied menthol via basolateral treatment and nebulization.
  • Measured ciliary beat frequency (CBF), airway surface liquid (ASL) volume, mucin production, and inflammatory cytokine expression (IL1B, TNFA).
  • Investigated the role of the TRPM8 channel.

Main Results:

  • Menthol significantly decreased CBF and ASL volume.
  • Nebulized menthol reduced mucociliary transport by increasing mucus concentration.
  • Menthol increased MUC5AC expression and inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels (IL1B, TNFA).
  • Menthol activated TRPM8, and TRPM8 antagonism blocked menthol's adverse effects.

Conclusions:

  • Menthol, at concentrations relevant to e-cigarette use, impairs crucial airway clearance functions.
  • Menthol exposure can lead to increased mucus production and airway inflammation.
  • The TRPM8 channel mediates menthol's detrimental effects on airway epithelium.
Keywords:
MUC5ACMUC5BTRPM8airway epitheliummenthol

More Related Videos

Culturing of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells at the Air Liquid Interface10:38

Culturing of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells at the Air Liquid Interface

Published on: October 8, 2013

37.3K
Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System07:28

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System

Published on: April 6, 2017

40.8K

Related Concept Videos

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
377
Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:16

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
322
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
2.9K
Inhaled Medications01:23

Inhaled Medications

Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
348
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
502
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines01:24

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
316