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Published on: August 10, 2013
Vasoactive intestinal peptide in human nasal mucosa
J N Baraniuk1, J D Lundgren, M Okayama
1Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) regulates serous cell secretion in human nasal mucosa. This peptide, found in parasympathetic nerves, also influences blood vessel tone.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is co-localized with acetylcholine in parasympathetic nerve fibers.
- VIP may play a role in regulating functions within mucous membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential roles of VIP in human nasal mucosa.
- To determine VIP content, localization, and functional effects in nasal tissues.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) to quantify VIP content.
- Immunohistochemistry to identify VIP-immunoreactive nerve fibers.
- Autoradiography to locate 125I-VIP binding sites.
- Explant cultures to assess VIP's effect on secretion.
Main Results:
- Human nasal mucosa contains VIP (2.84 ± 0.47 pmol/g).
- VIP nerve fibers are concentrated near submucosal glands; binding sites are on glands, epithelial cells, and arterioles.
- VIP stimulated lactoferrin release from serous cells but not glycoconjugate secretion.
- Methacholine was more potent than VIP, stimulating both secretions; VIP and methacholine had additive effects on lactoferrin release.
Conclusions:
- VIP from parasympathetic nerves likely regulates serous cell secretion in human nasal mucosa.
- VIP may also be involved in regulating vascular tone in the nasal mucosa.
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