title: New concepts of neural regulation in human nasal mucosa.
abstract: Nasal mucosa is innervated by multiple subsets of nociceptive, parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves. These play carefully coordinated roles in regulating glandular, vascular and other processes. These functions are vital for cleaning and humidifying ambient air before it is inhaled into the lungs. The recent recognition of distinct classes of nociceptive nerves with unique patterns of sensory receptors that include seven transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors, new families of transient receptor potential and voltage and calcium gated ion channels, and combinations of neurotransmitters that can be modulated during inflammation by neurotrophic factors has revolutionized our understanding of the complexity and subtlety of nasal innervation. These findings may provide a rational basis for responses to air temperature changes, culinary and botanical odorants ("aromatherapy"), and inhaled irritants in conditions as diverse as idiopathic nonallergic rhinitis, occupational rhinitis, hyposmia, and multiple chemical sensitivity.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007-2197, USA. baraniuj@georgetown.edu
authors.forename: James N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Baraniuk
authors.forename: Samantha J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Merck
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000502:physiology; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology; D015222:Sodium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D015222:Sodium Channels; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels