Ciliary activity of mucosal cells of nasal polyps and the maxillary sinus mucosa in chronic sinusitis cultured in vitro were measured by a photoelectric method. The findings were compared with those of normal maxillary sinus and inferior turbinate mucosae. The ciliary beating of edematous type of nasal polyp, 955 ± 130 beats/min (mean ± SD), did not differ significantly from the normal control, whereas both the duration and rate of ciliary beating were significantly decreased with cystic and fibrous type polyps. Ciliary activity in chronic sinusitis was significantly inhibited in the order of fibrous, purulent, and edematous types. The total area of ciliated mucosa also was decreased and varied with the type of chronic sinusitis, showing the most marked decrease with fibrous type. The ciliary activity in chronic sinusitis showed impairment with respect to both decreased ciliary rate of beating and reduced ciliated area.
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