Using dynamic analysis of Laser-Doppler blood flowmetry to measure nasal mucosa bloody flow in postural changes

BACKGROUND: The regulation of nasal mucosa blood flow (NMBF) is affected by multiple factors, such as the autonomic nervous system, medications, temperature, humidity, endocrine, even emotional stress and vision. The effects of postural changes on NMBF have been described in numerous studies. However, the results are far from consistent due to different experimental designs. OBJECTIVE: Dynamic analysis of Laser-Doppler blood flowmetry (LDBF) is employed to recognize the effect of postural changes on NMBF. METHODS: NMBF was continuously measured by LDBF in 14 participants with changing postures (sitting and supine). NMBF was measured in Blood Perfusion Unit (BPU), equivalent to the number of red blood cells multiplied by their mean velocity in a measured volume. RESULTS: NMBF increases significantly in a supine posture compared with that in a sitting posture. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that NMBF is significantly influenced after initial postural change, suggesting that changes in posture may be regarded as an important factor regulating NMBF.