beta-Adrenergic stimulation of respiratory ciliary activity

Abstract
The effect of isoproterenol on ciliary activity was investigated using a mucus-free preparation of cultured ciliated cells of the rabbit trachea. The frequency of ciliary beating was monitored by dynamic laser-scattering spectroscopy. Isoproterenol directly stimulates the activity of ciliated cells of the respiratory epithelium. This effect is .beta.-adrenergic specific inasmuch as the stimulation can be blocked by propranolol.