Cystic fibrosis--related inhibition of mucociliary clearance in vivo in man.

Studies were performed to demonstrate possibly cystic fibrosis- related inhibition of mucociliary 
clearance in man. Topical application of normal serum or of CF 
serum did not inhibit in vivo nasal MCC. Induction of local 
inflammation by topical anti-IgE- reduced nasal MCC in CF subjects, but 
increased MCC in normal individuals. Furthermore, nasal MCC was inhibited in 
normal patients by CF serum but not normal serum, applied to 
the anti-IgE-treated nasal mucosa. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis 
that CF serum inhibits MCC in vivo in the inflamed mucosa. 
