Effect of positive airway pressure on human nasal and bronchial epithelial cells

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation introduces a stream of compressed air into the respiratory system to help keep the airways open. It is administered by nasal or facial mask and is the first choice for providing mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) to avoid the need for endotracheal intubation. The application of positive airway pressure (PAP) is also used to treat obstructive sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a mode of respiratory ventilation which uses a portable machine to blow pressurized room air into the upper airway to prevent the collapse that occurs during an apnea episode. In addition, the delivery of aerosolized medication, such as a bronchodilator, through PAP ventilation devices is often used for treatment of acute chronic respiratory failure. However, despite the broad PAP clinical application, the effect of positive pressure on the airways is not completely understood. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PAP on the human respiratory epithelium using two in vitro cell models, human nasal epithelial cell (RPMI 2650) and human airway epithelial cell (Calu-3).