J Rhinol.
1997 May;4(1):5-12.
Peptidergic Innervation of the Nasal Mucosa
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Taejon, Korea.
Abstract
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Local release of neurotransmitters from autonomic nerve fibers in the nasal mucosa is known to play an important role for the protection of the lower airways. In addition to classical neurotransmitters, a diverse collection of neuropeptides are found in the sensory, parasympathetic, and sympathetic nerve fibers and may act as co-transmitters or modulators of effects induced by classical neurotransmitters. In the nasal mucosa, these neuropeptides are known to regulate the blood flow and content, secretory activity, and other epithelial functions and to be involved in the regulation of immunological reactions. There are increasing evidences that neuropeptides may play an important role in the pathophysiologic events in both specific and nonspecific hyperreactivity. Further study on the neuropeptides is needed to clarify the pathophysiologic mechanisms of nasal mucosal hyperreactivity.