title: Effect of oxymetazoline on nasal and sinus mucosal blood flow in the rabbit as measured with laser-Doppler flowmetry.
abstract: The effect of topical oxymetazoline hydrochloride on the blood flow of the nasal and sinus mucosa of the rabbit was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry. Oxymetazoline, the active component in clinically used nose drops, induced a dose-dependent decrease of the nasal mucosal blood flow. This effect has previously been shown in humans and suggests the presence of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the nasal mucosa of the rabbit. Doses of oxymetazoline used clinically in humans induced a 50% reduction of blood flow in rabbits. Rhythmic variations in blood flow were seen in 30% of the rabbits after administration of oxymetazoline. Additionally, oxymetazoline induced a dose-dependent decrease of the mucosal blood flow in the maxillary sinus when the drug was applied in the nose. A vasoconstricting effect of oxymetazoline on the arteries penetrating the maxillary sinus ostium is a possible explanation. This can have positive as well as negative consequences on acute sinus infections.
authors.affiliation: La Jolla Institute for Experimental Medicine, California.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akerlund
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Arfors
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bende
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Intaglietta
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000098:blood supply*; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000098:blood supply; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply*; D010109:Oxymetazoline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D010109:Oxymetazoline