Remote detection of ciliary movement by fiber optic laser-Doppler spectroscopy

The development and validation of a fiber-optic laser-Doppler spectrometer to measure the movement of cilia in situ is described. The spectrometer was calibrated with reference to high-speed cinematography. The transfer function demonstrates an excellent correlation between these two methods in a range of frequency of ciliary beat extending from 3 to 38 Hz. Results are reported showing that this instrument can reliably and reproducibly detect and record ciliary activity inside the airways and the oviduct. The fiber-optic probe of the laser spectroscope can be easily introduced via the biopsy channel of a bronchoscope or laparoscope.