Measurement of Transepithelial Nasal Potential Difference (NPD) for the Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive systemic disorder of exocrine glands and secretory epithelia. The disease results from mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene which cause a variety of abnormalities. CFTR is absent or dysfunctional in cystic fibrosis. Most of the defects in CFTR result in abnormal chloride ion transport and abnormally viscous mucus. Nasal epithelial CFTR function will be assessed by the NPD procedure.

NPD measurements are useful as a diagnostic tool in individuals with borderline or normal sweat chlorides, one or no identified CFTR mutations, and a clinical history suggestive of CF. The NPD has become the gold standard for detection and quantification of CFTR function in the airways. The assay has also served as an important endpoint since 1981. It has been used extensively and is standardized to assess the ability of new therapeutics in studies designed to replace, repair or restore defective ion transport in CF patients.

The assay basically involves dripping small amounts of the test solutions into the anterior nostril in order to measure uptake or secretion of sodium and chloride. There are five solutions required for the NPD measurement:

• Solution #1: Buffered Ringers
• Solution #2: Solution #1+Amiloride
• Solution #3: Buffered Zero Chloride Solution + Amiloride
• Solution #4: Solution #3 + Isoproterenol
• Solution #5: Solution #4 + Adenosine 5'-Triphosphate-Disodium salt (ATP)

The Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Network (TDN) is a formal affiliation of CF Research Centers in the US. Two Standard Operating Procedures have been developed by the TDN for the NPD procedure and qualification of those performing the measurement.