(Background) Smoking is harmful for respiratory epithelial function. Humidification is necessary for mucociliary clearance and maintenance of the liquid layer of the airway epithelium. There are few studies about the changes in transepithelial water loss (TEWL) and potential differences (PD) in the nasal mucosal epithelium associated with smoking. (Methods) Measurement of TEWL was performed on the inferior nasal turbinate. TEWL was measured with an evaporation meter based on Fick's law. PD was measured using the Ussing's technique. Anterior rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry were also conducted. (Results) Increased of the PD, significant decrease of TEWL and increase of the minimum cross sectional was observed after smoking. (Conclusion) Smoking leads to significant increase of the PD and decrease of TEWL in the nasal mucosa. Increased of the nasal patency was observed after smoking.
