EFFECTS OF VASOACTIVE AGENTS AND THEIR ANTAGONISTS MEASURED BY ACOUSTIC RHINOMETRY

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of alpha agonists on the human nasal mucosa. Volumetric changes in the nasal cavity afte r application of phenylephrine (PNL), oxymetazoline (OMZ), and epineph rine (EPR) were investigated using acoustic rhinometry. The reactions of the nasal mucosa were extremely modified after pretreatment by alph a(1) and alpha(2) antagonists, phenoxybenzamine (POB) and yohimbine (Y OH), and local anesthetic, xylocaine (XLC). Decongestion of the nasal mucosa evoked by ct stimulants was considered to originate mainly from the direct activation of alpha(1) receptors. Decongestion of the midd le and posterior parts began later than the anterior part and was more gradual because of the time necessary to transport the drug particles to the posterior areas. Contralateral volume changes were probably co ntrolled by the afferent signals from the ipsilateral side of the nose .