Rhinosectan® spray (containing xyloglucan) on the ciliary function of the nasal respiratory epithelium; results of an in vitro study

BackgroundTo assess the effects of Rhinosectan((R)) spray, a medical device containing xyloglucan, on nasal ciliary function (in MucilAirNasal cells).MethodsMucilAirNasal, a three-dimensional organotypic airway tissue model (with different cell types), was treated with Rhinosectan((R)) (30 mu l) or with a control (saline solution). The effects of Rhinosectan((R)) were evaluated at 15 and 60min post-exposure by: measurement of the cilia beating frequency (Hz), mucin detection (Enzyme-Linked Lectin AssayELLA), mucociliary clearance (mu m/s) and phagocytosis assay (fluorescence).ResultsExposure of MucilAir to Rhinosectan((R)) did not alter the cilia beating frequency at 15 and 60min post-exposure (diluted and undiluted). Exposure to Rhinosectan((R)) (undiluted) during 60min increased mucociliary clearance (93.32.1 mu m/s vs. 80.9 +/- 1.8 mu m/s; p<0.01) and phagocytic activity (1.89-fold increase) in comparison with saline solution. Moreover, a significant decrease in mucin concentration was observed after 15min of exposure (171.4ng/ml vs. 306.5ng/ml; p<0.01) and at 60min post-treatment (242.7ng/ml vs. 339ng/ml; p<0.05).Conclusions The application of Rhinosectan((R)) to nasal epithelial cells does not impair ciliary movement, enhances mucociliary clearance and facilitates phagocytosis while reducing mucin secretion, which are optimal properties for the management of rhinitis and associated conditions.