The effects of D and L isomers of menthol upon nasal sensation of airflow.
Objective and subjective measurements of nasal airflow were made before and after inhalation of Vanilla, D-Menthol and L-Menthol separately. Despite the fact that the menthol isomers were mirror images of one another, only L-Menthol produced the sensation of increased nasal airway patency. No objective change in resistance was found after inhaling either D-Menthol, L-Menthol or the vanilla control. These findings demonstrate that L-Menthol exerts a specific action upon nasal sensory nerve endings, which are responsible for the subjective appreciation of nasal airflow.
Eccles
R
R
University College Cardiff.
Griffiths
D H
DH
Newton
C G
CG
Tolley
N S
NS
D000328:Adult; D001547:Benzaldehydes / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008610:Menthol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009666:Nose / Q000502:physiology*; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000187:drug effects*; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects*; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D001547:Benzaldehydes; D008610:Menthol; C100058:vanillin