Neuroregulation of human nasal mucosa.

Abstract

Multiple subsets of nociceptive, parasympathetic, and sympathetic nerves innervate human nasal mucosa. These play carefully coordinated roles in regulating glandular, vascular, and other processes. These functions are vital for cleaning and humidifying ambient air before it is inhaled into the lungs. The recent identification of distinct classes of nociceptive nerves with unique patterns of transient receptor potential sensory receptor ion channel proteins may account for the polymodal, chemo- and mechanicosensitivity of many trigeminal neurons. Modulation of these families of proteins, excitatory and inhibitory autoreceptors, and combinations of neurotransmitters introduces a new level of complexity and subtlety to nasal innervation. These findings may provide a rational basis for responses to air-temperature changes, culinary and botanical odorants ("aromatherapy"), and inhaled irritants in conditions as diverse as allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, occupational rhinitis, hyposmia, and multiple chemical sensitivity.

• Authors: James N Baraniuk, Samantha J Merck
• Journal: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (Ann N Y Acad Sci) Vol. 1170 Pg. 604-9 (Jul 2009) ISSN: 1749-6632 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19686200 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• TRPV Cation Channels
• TRPV1 protein, human

Topics

• Humans
• Ion Channel Gating
• Nasal Mucosa (innervation, physiology)
• Nervous System Physiological Phenomena
• TRPV Cation Channels (physiology)