Functional Disturbances of the Sympathetic Nerve in Experimentally-induced Nasal Hypersensitivity

Kubo N, Ishibe T, Tsuji H, Kozuki K, Yamashita T, Kumazawa T. Functional disturbances of the sympathetic nerve in experimentally-induced nasal hypersensitivity. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh)1989; Suppl. 463:5—13.Norepinephrine, α-1 and β adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa of toluene-diisocya-nate sensitized guinea-pigs were evaluated quantitatively at specific points in time during a pre-determined sensitization period. at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, the norepinephrine content was reduced. the concentration of α-1 adrenergic receptors significantly decreased in 8- and 12-week groups. a lower density of β adrenergic receptors was shown in the 12-week group. Signs of a return to normalcy were observed by four weeks post-sensitization. These results led us to speculate that excess norepinephrine release, which may be promoted by allergy-inducing histamine, depleted the norepinephrine at the sympathetic nerve terminal and caused a lowering of the concentration of sympathetic receptors. Functional disturbance of the sympathetic nerve was suggested by clinical findings of nonspecific nasal hypersensitivity, congestion and nasal discharge.