Functional effects of neuropeptide Y receptors on blood flow and nitric oxide levels in the human nose

• The aim of this study was to examine dose-dependent effects of intranasal application of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on nasal mucosal blood flow, blood content, and intranasal nitric oxide (NO) concentration. Blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and blood content by rhinomanometry. Mucosal biopsies were taken for investigation of Y1 and Y2 receptor mRNA expression, using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Intranasal application of NPY evoked a dose-dependent reduction of nasal mucosal blood flow. Maximal vasoconstriction, seen at 12 nmol, was -37.5 +/- 6.2%, p < 0.05 (n = 9). The vasoconstrictive effect developed within 2 to 4 min and lasted > 17 min. NPY evoked a dose-dependent reduction of nasal airway resistance (NAR) on the ipsilateral side. Maximal decrease was -24.0 +/- 10.0% at 12 nmol, p < 0.05 (n = 9). There was a decrease in nasal NO production on the ipsilateral side after application of NPY 12 nmol (-7.4 +/- 1.2%, p < 0.05, n = 8). RT-PCR products corresponding to Y1 receptor but not Y2 receptor mRNA were obtained from biopsies of the nasal mucosa. In conclusion, NPY is a potent vasoconstrictor in the human nose reducing mucosal blood flow, as well as the blood content. The effect is probably mediated via Y1 receptors. NPY receptor agonists may prove beneficial in the treatment of the congested nose in allergic or vasomotor rhinitis.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Lungmedicin och allergi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Administration, Intranasal

Adult

Airway Resistance/drug effects

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug

Female

Humans

Laser-Doppler Flowmetry

Male

Nasal Mucosa/blood supply

Neuropeptide Y/administration & dosage

Nitric Oxide/metabolism

RNA, Messenger/analysis

Receptors, Neuropeptide Y/metabolism

Regional Blood Flow/drug effects

Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Vasoconstriction/drug effects

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)