title: Effect of resection of the posterior nasal nerve on functional and morphological changes in the inferior turbinate mucosa.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) resection involved the suppression of the secretogogue motor and the inhibition of neurogenic inflammation induced by parasympathetic and sensory denervation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The study was designed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of the resection of the PNN.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten patients with allergic rhinitis and non-allergic chronic rhinitis were enrolled in the study. Clinical symptoms were evaluated before and after administration of oxitropium bromide aerosol, and after the PNN resection. Biopsy specimens from the inferior turbinate mucosa obtained from five patients before and after resection of the PNN were examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The application of oxitropium bromide resulted in a significant reduction of both watery rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction, but not sneezing or postnasal drip. Resection of the PNN also significantly improved both rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction. Morphometric analysis of the density of the nasal gland showed a significant reduction, whereas no significant change was recognized in the density of the vessels. A significant reduction in the number of infiltrating neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes was recognized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. ike@med.juntendo.ac.jp
authors.forename: Katsuhisa
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.forename: Hidenori
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yokoi
authors.forename: Tatsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kawano
authors.forename: Toru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Masayuki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Furukawa
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000294:innervation*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000601:surgery*; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014420:Turbinates / Q000294:innervation*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives; C017590:oxitropium