[New aspects of the autonomic innervation of human nasal mucosa]

Abstract

The neuropeptide Substance-P (SP) was found in clinically normal and chronically inflamed hyperplastic human nasal mucosa. SP is the transmitter substance in afferent neurons and causes oedema, as animal experiments have shown, via local and central reflexes as well as vasodilation, smooth muscle contraction and glandular hypersecretion. The study proved the existence of peptidergic nerve fibres besides adrenergic and cholinergic fibres in human nasal mucosa. The result of the study and its presumable pathophysiological meaning is discussed.