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Changes in human nasal mucosa during experimental coronavirus common colds
M Bende1, I Barrow, J Heptonstall
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Central Hospital, Skövde, Sweden.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Coronavirus infections cause physiological changes like increased nasal resistance and temperature, even in asymptomatic cases. Symptomatic infections also show increased nasal secretions and blood flow, indicating a more severe inflammatory response.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Rhinology
Background:
- Human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) is a common respiratory pathogen.
- Understanding the physiological responses to HCoV-229E infection is crucial for managing respiratory illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and differentiate the clinical and physiological reactions in individuals with clinically apparent, sub-clinical, and non-infected states following HCoV-229E inoculation.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four adult volunteers were inoculated with HCoV-229E.
- Measurements included nasal airway resistance, nasal mucosal temperature, core body temperature, mucosal blood flow, nasal secretion volume and albumin content, and nasal cycle variations.
Main Results:
- All infected individuals, symptomatic or not, exhibited increased nasal airway resistance and nasal mucosal temperature.
- Core body temperature also rose slightly in infected subjects.
- Symptomatic infections were associated with increased mucosal blood flow, nasal secretion, and albumin in secretions.
- The nasal cycle's variation in airway resistance intensified only in clinically infected individuals.
Conclusions:
- HCoV-229E infection induces measurable physiological changes in the nasal passages, irrespective of symptom presence.
- Symptomatic infections involve a more pronounced inflammatory response, including increased vascular permeability indicated by albumin in nasal secretions.