Experimental Acute Sinusitis in Rabbits Energy Metabolism in Sinus Mucosa and Secretion

Abstract

In previous studies, sinus secretions have been analysed concerning pO₂, pCO₂ and pH. In this study the energy metabolism in the maxillary sinus mucosa and secretion was studied in 33 New Zealand White rabbits. In freeze-dried samples, glucose and lactate were analysed by enzymatic assays and ATP by HPLC. In the purulent sinusitis, lactate concentration in the mucosa was 5.67 mmol × kg^-1 W.W. and significantly higher than in the control sinus. Also in the non-purulent sinusitis, lactate was increased in the mucosa. The lactate concentrations in the secretion were 9.8 and 8.4 mmol × kg^-l W.W. in purulent and non-purulent secretions respectively and are probably the result of a diffusion from the mucosal cells and of leukocyte metabolism. A reduced ATP content, with increases in ADP and AMP, in the sinus mucosa of the purulent sinusitis suggests a relative energy depletion which could result in impaired epithelial function.

Key Words:

• acute sinusitis
• mucosa
• lactate
• ATP rabbit