Influence of Amphotericin B on the Ciliary Beat Frequency of Nasal Mucosa

OBJECTIVE: 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. METHODS: Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured by a photometric technique, combining a light microscope, a photometer, a photograph-multiplier, and a computed analyzing unit. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.