[Microcirculation in the nasal mucosa].
The nasal mucosa has important physiological roles, including the removal of foreign bodies and the warming and humidification of inspired air. The microcirculation in the nasal mucosa facilitates the above processes and plays a role in the periodic swelling and shrinking of the nasal mucosa. In the present article, we reviewed the unique vascular architecture of the nasal mucosa, the complicated feature of innervations by the sympathetic, parasympathetic and sensory nerves, the actions of some chemical mediators released under some pathologic conditions, and the state of microcirculation in the nasal mucosa in cases of nasal allergy and cold exposure. Although it is likely that the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine has a major role in controlling the microcirculation in the nasal mucosa, the physiological or pathophysiological roles of other transmitters such as neuropeptide Y, ATP, acetylcholine, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide seem to be minor and vary between species. Nevertheless, nitric oxide, which is shown to be released from parasympathetic neurons, is believed to have some physiological and/or pathophysiological role. Unfortunately, we have yet to describe the mechanism of nasal congestion. Further study of the function of nasal congestion in various illnesses could result in the alleviation of unpleasant symptoms.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Chugoku Rosai General Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
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Watanabe
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Tsuru
D000818:Animals; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000502:physiology; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000294:innervation; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents