Effects of Vasoactive Agents and their Antagonists Measured by Acoustic Rhinometry

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a agonists on the human nasal mucosa. Volumetric changes in the nasal cavity after application of phenylephrine (PNL), oxymetazoline (OMZ), and epinephrine (EPR) were investigated using acoustic rhinometry. The reactions of the nasal mucosa were extremely modified after pretreatment by α1 and α2 antagonists, phenoxybenzamine (POB) and yohimbine (YOH), and local anesthetic, xylocaine (XLC). Decongestion of the nasal mucosa evoked by α stimulants was considered to originate mainly from the direct activation of α1 receptors. Decongestion of the middle and posterior parts began later than the anterior part and was more gradual because of the time necessary to transport the drug particles to the posterior areas. Contralateral volume changes were probably controlled by the afferent signals from the ipsilateral side of the nose.