A novel N-chlorotaurine-corticosteroid combination as a preservative-free local disinfectant: influence on the ciliary beat frequency in vitro

Abstract

Conclusions: The combination of N-chlorotaurine (NCT) and a corticosteroid seems to be a very promising substance for the local therapy of ENT infections. As it can be used without any preservatives, the effect on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) is much less than that of products containing benzalkonium chloride (BAC). The in vitro results obtained in this study encourage us to perform clinical trials on this novel combination for intranasal application.

Objective: To investigate the influence of a novel mixture of NCT and a corticosteroid [fluticasone propionate (FP)] on the CBF of human ciliated cells in vitro.

Material and methods: The study was designed as an in vitro study. CBF was measured by means of a photometric technique involving the combination of a light microscope, a photometer, a photographic multiplier and a computerized analyzing unit.

Results: The combination of 1% NCT + 0.5 mg/ml FP decreased the CBF to 42.17% of its original value after 20 min. Treatment with BAC lowered the CBF depending on the concentration to 96.61% of its original value with 0.04 mg/ml, to 91.90% with 0.1 mg/ml, to 63.46% with 0.2 mg/ml and to 0% with 0.5 mg/ml. After rinsing in saline, the CBF of samples treated with 1% NCT + 0.5 mg/ml FP recovered to 68.93% of its original value.