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Substance P and human nasal mucociliary activity.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Substance P (SP), an inflammatory agent found in nasal nerves, did not significantly alter nasal mucociliary transport time in human volunteers. This suggests SP may not directly impact this crucial defense mechanism in humans, unlike in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Rhinology
- Immunology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide recognized for its potent inflammatory properties.
- SP is present in sensory nerve fibers within the nasal mucosa of humans and experimental animals.
- In animal studies, SP has demonstrated the ability to enhance mucociliary function in the airways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct relationship between topically applied Substance P (SP) and nasal mucociliary function in humans.
- To determine if SP influences the efficiency of mucus clearance in the human nasal cavity.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, cross-over study involving thirteen healthy volunteers.
- Volunteers received a topical challenge of 65 micrograms of SP or a placebo.
- Nasal mucociliary transport time was measured using the saccharine dye test.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference was observed in nasal mucociliary transport time between the SP challenge and placebo conditions.
- The findings indicate that SP, at the tested dose, does not acutely affect mucociliary clearance in humans.
Conclusions:
- Topical application of Substance P did not alter nasal mucociliary transport time in healthy human volunteers.
- The role of SP in human nasal mucosal defense may differ from its function in experimental animals, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.