Nasal mucus is common to all humans, yet little is understood about its composition. It is a special fluid produced by goblet cells. Analysing blood is quick, straightforward and relatively painless. Routine tests can be performed, and results obtained easily. There are no such tests for cation concentrations in nasal mucus.
Previous research has focussed on the 4 main bulk cations, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+, using varying techniques and obtaining a wide range of results. These studies used small numbers of participants in their studies. Only one of these studies has looked at trace metals within mucus.
This research has been carried out with funding from KESS2, the European Social Fund and company sponsor Halen Môn. The research has investigated a new method for mucus collection, using cotton wool pellets, and has been shown to be an effective efficient collection method. Samples were collected and analysed from 40 students, 20 male and 20 females, giving 80 samples. The analysis of these samples via inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) gave consistent results falling in line with previous results for bulk cations. Reproducible values for trace metals Cu2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Al3+ were obtained. These give a baseline composition for ‘healthy’ subjects. This was original research that had not been previously reported.
Natural nasal spray products, seawater and saline-based, are readily available to purchase from leading pharmacies and supermarket. Analysis of 10 of these products was also performed to look at their cation composition, as their contents are only alluded to. These values were used to see how the cation composition in nasal products compared to those in nasal mucus.