Evidence for autonomic responses to pungent chemical stimuli applied to the skin vs inhaled via the nasal cavity.
OBJECTIVE
Chemical stimuli can produce different sensations from tingling to pain. Responses to chemical stimuli differ in relation to many factors. This study aims at examining two factors, i.e. the localization of their application and the implied sensory modality.


METHODS
Twenty volunteer students participated in the experiment. Skin conductance responses (SCRs) were recorded to compare the autonomic nervous activation to maximal stimulation with the same irritant stimulus (mustard oil (MO) diluted at 25%) applied to the skin or delivered into the nasal cavity.


RESULTS
The SCRs obtained following maximal nasal stimulation with MO were significantly different from those obtained following maximal skin stimulation. Application of MO on skin elicited higher SCR amplitude as well as a longer rising time and latency when compared to nasal stimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that the autonomic nervous activation following maximal chemical irritation differ in temporal, amplitude and shape response characteristics. These results are discussed in terms of cutaneous and nasal innervation's.
Lucarz
A
A
Laboratoire de neurosciences, faculté des sciences, université de Franche-Comté, place Leclerc, 25000 Besançon, France.
Buron
G
G
Brand
G
G
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009149:Mustard Plant; D009812:Odorants; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation*
D007509:Irritants; D010938:Plant Oils; C027793:mustard oil