The effects of menthol isomers on nasal sensation of airflow.
The effects of inhalation of L-menthol, D-isomenthol and D-neomenthol, upon nasal resistance and sensation to airflow were investigated in 40 subjects. L-menthol caused a highly significant enhancement of nasal sensation of airflow but despite their great similarity in structure and a similar peppermint smell the isomers D-isomenthol and D-neomenthol had no effect on nasal sensation of airflow. These findings show that L-menthol has a specific pharmacological action on nasal sensory nerve endings which is not related to its peppermint smell.
Eccles
R
R
Department of Physiology, University College, Cardiff.
Griffiths
D H
DH
Newton
C G
CG
Tolley
N S
NS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000403:Airway Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008610:Menthol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D008610:Menthol