Effects of Nasal Saline Spray on Human Neutrophils
Abstract
Nasal saline spray (NSS) used in the treatment of rhinitis and sinusitis often contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BkO). Previous studies have shown that steroid nasal sprays and topical decongestants containing BKO damage respiratory mucosa, decrease mucociliary activity, and inhibit neutrophil functions in vitro. This study evaluates the effects of NSS with BKO on human neutrophils. Design: Prospective, basic science observations. Methods: Human neutrophils were exposed to NSS with BkC or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at varying times and concentrations. The cells were examined for morphological changes by light microscopy, and for viability as determined by trypan blue exclusion. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured to quantify neutrophil cell lysis. In vivo morphologic changes were studied in neutrophils obtained from the oral mucosa in human volunteers who rinsed their mouths with either NSS or PBS. Results: Neutrophils exposed to NSS concentrations as low as 15% showed near total cell lysis and neutrophils exposed to 20% NSS demonstrated no cell viability by trypan blue staining. PBS-exposed cells were unaffected. Release of LDH from lysed neutrophils increased sharply at NSS concentrations >10% but remained stable in PBS- exposed cells. All neutrophils isolated from NSS oral rinses were lysed, while neutrophils from PBS rinses showed an average of 78% normal morphology. Conclusions: NSS with BKC is toxic to human neutrophils even at concentrations far lower than those found in commercially available preparations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA406691
Entities
People
- Mark E. Boston
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology