Contribution of Nitric Oxide and Sensory Transmitters to Non-adrenergic, Non-cholinergic Innervation of Nasal Blood Vessels

Abstract

The possible contribution of a non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) vasodilator mechanism in human nasal mucosa was studied using an in vitro muscle tension measuring technique. Strips of the nasal mucosa were suspended in a Magnus tube filled with Krebs solution and aerated with 95% O 2 . Isometric changes in tension were detected on administration of various drugs under electric stimulation and recorded with a transducer. The relaxing reaction under electrical train pulse stimulation with pretreatment of blockers of the autonomic nerves was suppressed by nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) and antagonists to the receptors of sensory nerve transmitters (Spantide, hCGRP8-37). This result suggests that nitric oxide, substance P and CGRP may be mediators in the NANC inhibitory nerve system.