Effect of Platelet Activating Factor on the Human Nasal Mucosa

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Abstract
To determine the effect of PAF[platelet activating factor]-acether on the vascular bed in the human nose, 11 healthy volunteers were studied. Rhinomanometry was performed to determine the effect on the capacitance vessels, and the 133Xe wash-out method enabled determination of the mucosal blood flow, regulated mainly by the resistance vessels. These measurements were made before and after topical administration of PAF-acether in 3 different doses: 0.26, 2.6 and 26 .mu.g/nostril. Evidently, PAF-acether induces a dose-dependent vasoconstriction of the capacitance vessels and a reduction in mucosal blood flow. That PAF-acether should be a principal mediator in the allergic reaction in the human nose is not supported by these findings.