Laser light-scattering spectroscopy: preliminary results on bioassay of cystic fibrosis factor(s).

The effect of 7 cystic fibrosis sera and 4 normal sera was 
investigated in 37 cultures of ciliated epithelium of the rabbit trachea. 
Serum was introduced in the Rose culture chambers in a concentration 
of 10% by volume. The frequency of ciliary beat was monitored 
by laser light-scattering spectroscopy. The results show that the response of 
cilia to sera can be well characterized by laser light scattering. 
Our preliminary evidence suggests that an early increase in the frequency 
of ciliary beat, followed by rapid arrest of ciliary activity, is 
a sensitive and characteristic response produced by cystic fibrosis serum, and 
not by normal serum. 