Influence of amphotericin B on the ciliary beat frequency of nasal mucosa.

Abstract

A new therapeutic approach in eosinophilic fungal rhinosinusitis is topical application of antifungals such as amphotericin B. The tolerability of a recently applied concentration of this drug by human nasal mucosa was tested in vitro. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured by a photometric technique, combining a light microscope, a photometer, a photograph-multiplier, and a computed analyzing unit. Treatment for 20 minutes with amphotericin B finally diluted in saline to 0.1 mg/mL caused no decrease in CBF. By contrast, both amphotericin B diluted in distilled water and distilled water without additives lowered CBF about 50%. This decrease was not reversible after reincubation for 20 minute in saline. The results confirm the good tolerability of topical amphotericin B in the nasal and paranasal cavity. Because of the negative effect of distilled water, final dilution in physiologic solvents should be considered.