[Experimental study on blocking agent of substance P nerves in the treatment of allergic rhinitis]

Experimental guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis were treated with capsaicin (CAP). During the whole course of treatment, nasal secretions, sneezing and nasal scratching were observed and recorded, as compared quantitatively with those of the control group. By means of specific radioimmunoassay, determination of the amount of substance P (SP) in the nasal mucosa was done in the treated group, untreated group and normal control group. By using the filter paper technique, the functional status of the nasal secretion was observed. The experimental group was given CAP by dripping into the nasal cavities for 15 days. The results indicated that the various symptoms of allergic rhinitis were obviously relieved. The nasal secretions were decreased by 64% as compared with those before the treatment; and SP content in the nasal mucosa was remarkably reduced in comparison with untreated group. The results of the experiment indicated: the repeated use of CAP might effectively deplete SP content in the nasal mucosa and prove the new theory of the effects of CAP on the desensitization of the SP nerves. CAP as a blocking agent of SP nerves blocked the axon reflex and exerted curative effect on allergic rhinitis.