Functional disturbances of the sympathetic nerve in experimentally-induced nasal hypersensitivity.
Norepinephrine, alpha-1 and beta adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa of toluene-diisocyanate sensitized guinea-pigs were evaluated quantitatively at specific points in time during a pre-determined sensitization period. At 4, 8 and 12 weeks, the norepinephrine content was reduced. The concentration of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors significantly decreased in 8- and 12-week groups. A lower density of beta adrenergic receptors was shown in the 12-week group. Signs of a return to normalcy were observed by four weeks post-sensitization. These results led us to speculate that excess norepinephrine release, which may be promoted by allergy-inducing histamine, depleted the norepinephrine at the sympathetic nerve terminal and caused a lowering of the concentration of sympathetic receptors. Functional disturbance of the sympathetic nerve was suggested by clinical findings of nonspecific nasal hypersensitivity, congestion and nasal discharge.
Kubo
N
N
Department of Otolaryngology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Ishibe
T
T
Tsuji
H
H
Kozuki
K
K
Yamashita
T
T
Kumazawa
T
T
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000294:innervation* / Q000378:metabolism; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism*; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000378:metabolism*; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors; D014051:Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D014051:Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate; D009638:Norepinephrine