Effect of resection of the posterior nasal nerve on functional and morphological changes in the inferior turbinate mucosa.
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.
Ikeda
Katsuhisa
K
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. ike@med.juntendo.ac.jp
Yokoi
Hidenori
H
Saito
Tatsuya
T
Kawano
Kenji
K
Yao
Toru
T
Furukawa
Masayuki
M
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
D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives; C017590:oxitropium