[Effect of topical corticosteroids and topical antihistaminics on ciliary epithelium of human nasal mucosa in vitro].

A normal ciliary beat frequency of ciliated cells is necessary for the mucociliary clearance of the nose and paranasal sinuses. An in vitro investigation was performed to evaluate the influence of topical corticosteroids and antihistamines on the ciliary beat frequency of human nasal mucosa. The nasal sprays examined contained the corticosteroids budesonide or fluticasone propionate and the topical antihistamines azelastine or levocabastine. All tests were performed on cell cultures of human nasal mucosa during constant conditions. Three of the four nasal sprays tested contained benzalkonium chloride as preservative. An irreversible cessation of ciliary movement was observed in all cells exposed to nasal sprays containing benzalkonium chloride in a 50 per cent solution. The nasal spray containing budesonide was benzalkonium chloride-free and caused minor but fully reversible decreases in ciliary beat frequency after 20 min. As benzalkonium chloride can cause complete standstill of ciliary beat frequency in vitro in human nasal mucosa, we recommend that this preservative should not be used anymore in topical nasal medications.