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Nasal challenge with serotonin and histamine in normal persons
Allergy
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Serotonin triggers nasal itching, sneezing, and increased secretion in humans, similar to histamine. However, serotonin had a minimal impact on nasal airway resistance compared to histamine.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Serotonin is implicated in allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
- Its direct effects on human nasal physiology require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nasal response to serotonin provocation in healthy individuals.
- To compare the effects of serotonin with histamine on nasal symptoms and airflow.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 14 healthy participants.
- Nasal provocation with serotonin and histamine.
- Assessment of itching, sneezing, nasal secretion, and nasal airway resistance via rhinomanometry.
Main Results:
- Serotonin induced significant nasal itching, sneezing, and hypersecretion.
- Histamine caused a marked increase in nasal airway resistance (48%), while serotonin's effect was minor (10%) and not significant.
- Serotonin's effects on symptoms were comparable to histamine.
Conclusions:
- Serotonin provocation can elicit a rhinitis-like response in the human nose.
- Symptoms suggest serotonin affects sensory nerves, leading to reflex sneezing and hypersecretion.
- Serotonin appears to have a limited direct effect on nasal capacitance vessels compared to histamine.