The effects of in vitro cotitine on nasal ciliary beat frequency

Cotitine is one of the main metabolites of nicotine. It is stable and in vivo has a relatively long circulating half life. Nasal ciliated cells from non-smoking individuals were exposed in vitro to solutions of cotitine corresponding to serum levels in active and passive smokers. Ciliary beat frequency was measured by a computerized photometric technique. There was a significant drop in ciliary beat frequency compared with control ciliated cells in phosphate buffered saline. It is concluded that cotitine in active or passive smoking has a marked effect on ciliary function. It may be a factor leading to diminished mucociliary clearance and persistent middle ear effusion.