Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2025

Collection, Expansion, and Differentiation of Primary Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Models for Quantification of Cilia Beat Frequency
Published on: November 10, 2021
Variations in ciliary beat frequency based on chronic rhinosinusitis endotype and phenotype.
Asher C Park1, Theodore V Nguyen2, Lidek Chou3
1Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
Chronic rhinosinusitis subtypes, including eosinophilic, noneosinophilic, and CRS with nasal polyps, show reduced ciliary beat frequency compared to controls. Spectrally encoded interferometric microscopy is a viable method for measuring this function.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is classified by nasal polyps and endotypes (eosinophilic/noneosinophilic).
- Mucociliary function, crucial for airway clearance, is impaired in CRS.
- The relationship between CRS subtypes and mucociliary function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ciliary beat frequency (CBF) across distinct CRS subtypes.
- To validate spectrally encoded interferometric microscopy (SEIM) against phase-contrast microscopy (PCM) for CBF assessment.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo imaging of sinonasal mucosa from surgery patients using PCM and SEIM at physiological temperatures.
- CBF measurements were compared between control, CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs), CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNPs), eosinophilic CRS, and noneosinophilic CRS groups.
- Comparison of CBF measurements obtained via PCM and SEIM.
Main Results:
- CRSwNP mucosa exhibited significantly lower CBF (5.77 ± 0.12 Hz) than controls (6.23 ± 0.11 Hz).
- Both eosinophilic rhinosinusitis (5.74 ± 0.16 Hz) and noneosinophilic CRS (6.00 ± 0.08 Hz) showed significantly reduced CBF compared to controls (6.28 ± 0.11 Hz).
- No significant difference was found between PCM and SEIM in evaluating CBF (P = .36).
Conclusions:
- Eosinophilic CRS, noneosinophilic CRS, and CRSwNP are associated with diminished ciliary beat frequency compared to healthy individuals.
- SEIM demonstrates potential as a reliable method for measuring CBF in CRS research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism,...
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Beats
Sinusoidal Sources
In homes, the power supplies use sinusoidal sources to provide electricity. These sources generate a voltage that varies sinusoidally...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...

