The Influence of Temperature On Mucociliary Activity<i>Temperature range 20°C-40°C</i>

Abstract

In vitro experiments have been performed on mucous membranes from rabbit tracheae in order to investigate the influence of temperatures between 20° and 40°C on the mucociliary activity.The following results have been obtained:1. The mucociliary activity including mucociliary wave frequency and coordination of wave patterns is most regular at or near the body temperature.2. From body temperature to room temperature a 50 % reduction of the wave frequency was demonstrated together with irregular changes in frequency and amplitude.3. The effect of temperature alterations was reversible within at most 3 hours.4. The relationship between mucociliary wave movements and temperatures between 20° and 40°C looked practically linear, contrary to most temperature-dependent physiological processes. This indicates that more than one factor is involved in the surface light reflections, e.g. the intracellular activity and mucus rheology.