Here, we present a standardized protocol to measure the nasal potential difference (NPD). Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) function are evaluated by the change in the voltage across the nasal epithelium after superfusion of solutions that modify ion channel activity, providing an outcome measure.
This method can help answer key questions in the CF and ion transport fields about whether CF patients can mount a meaningful response to activation or restoration of CFTR function.The main advantage of this technique is that it measures the coordinated activity of the CFTR and epithelial sodium channel in the airway epithelium.Although this method can provide insight into cystic fibrosis, it can also be applied to other disease systems, such as genetic disorders of hyperactive epithelial sodium channel function.Demonstrating the procedure will be Thao Nguyen, biologist, and Aur