[Electron microscopic studies of the rabbit nasal mucosa after short-term application of naphzoline nitrate].
BACKGROUND
Vasoconstricting nasal drops are applied frequently. Especially early ultrastructural alterations of the vessels were not examined up to now in animal models. Our goal was the systematic investigation of the submucosal vessels and the epithelium after topic application of naphazoline nitrate (Privin) in an animal model.


METHODS
Three times daily over 6 days 3 ml of 0.1% naphazoline nitrate solution (Privin) were instilled into the right nasal cavity of 5 rabbits. At the 7th and 14th day an incisional biopsy of the lower nasal turbinate was carried out in ketamine/rompun anesthesia.


RESULTS
In the naphazoline group the capillaries showed an edematous endothelium with narrowed lumina. Thrombosis of the arterioles were frequently observed. The more cubic epithelial cells had deciliated areas with microvilli. Venules, submucosal glands and the surrounding connective tissue was normally configurated. Analogous findings were also observed after 2 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
The disturbance of the microcirculation shows impressive endothelial alterations. These structural changes can result in nonreversible mucosal damages. A regeneration time of more than 1 week is assumable. Our results should be considered critically in order to prevent damages of the nasal mucosa.
Agha-Mir-Salim
P
P
Klinik für Hals-, Nasen-, Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. p.mir-salim@medizin.uni-halle.de
Stange
T
T
Knipping
S
S
Jahnke
V
V
Berghaus
A
A
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D008833:Microcirculation; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009278:Naphazoline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011817:Rabbits; D012038:Regeneration; D013997:Time Factors
D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D009278:Naphazoline