ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Endothelin
;
Nasal mucosa
;
Immunocytochemistry
;
Laser Doppler flowmetry
;
Human
;
Rabbit
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Nasal blood flow is finely regulated by local release of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and other bioactive molecules acting via paracrine mechanisms. We have investigated the occurrence and distribution in human nasal mucosa of endothelin, a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, by immunocytochemistry and the effect of systemic administration of endothelin-1 on vascular perfusion of rabbit nasal mucosa by laser Doppler flowmetry. Endothelin-like immunoreactivity was demonstrated within vascular endothelial cells in both developing and mature human mucosa. Nasal epithelial cells and some connective tissue cells, presumed to be macrophages, also displayed specific immunostaining. In rabbits injected with endothelin-1, a potent and prolonged nasal vasoconstriction was observed. It is suggested that endothelin released locally may participate in the regulation of nasal blood flow via paracrine mechanisms. Since endothelin has growth-promoting actions on several cell types, it is also tentatively proposed that this regulatory peptide may play a role during development of the nose.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00318743
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