Nasal mucosa reaction, catecholamines and lactate during physical exercise

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Rhinology

Background:

• Nasal mucosal congestion is influenced by physiological factors during exercise.
• Understanding the relationship between autonomic nervous system activity and nasal congestion is crucial for rhinological research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between nasal mucosal congestion changes and blood concentrations of lactate, epinephrine, and norepinephrine during maximal physical exercise and recovery.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms of nasal mucosal decongestion and potential overriding congestive stimuli.

Main Methods:

• Utilized rhinostereometry to measure changes in nasal mucosal congestion in 7 volunteers.
• Monitored blood concentrations of lactate, epinephrine, and norepinephrine during and after maximal exercise.
• Analyzed the relationship between mucosal decongestion/recongestion and biochemical markers.

Main Results:

• Nasal mucosa decongested during exercise, with nor-epinephrine levels rising at 50% decongestion, and lactate/epinephrine at near-maximal decongestion.
• Upon cessation of exercise, rapid mucosal recongestion occurred, paralleling decreases in epinephrine and nor-epinephrine.
• Lactate levels remained elevated until significant mucosal recongestion was observed.
• In one volunteer, continued exercise led to recongestion despite rising biochemical markers, suggesting a stronger congestive stimulus.

Conclusions:

• Exercise-induced nasal mucosal decongestion is primarily mediated by sympathetic stimulation.
• Evidence suggests a potent congestive stimulus may exist that can override sympathetic influence.
• Direct control of nasal mucosal congestion is recommended for accurate rhinological studies.