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The effect of methacholine on nasal transmucosal potential difference in normal human subjects
E J Stewart1, M J Cinnamond, P Nicholls
1Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
This study was proposed to test the hypothesis that the parasympathetic system might attribute to the transmucosal potential difference. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study six volunteers had nasal transmucosal potential difference (NTPD) recorded at 4-min intervals during 12-min periods of rest, before and after treatment, as well as during exercise and recovery. Application of placebo did not significantly alter NTPD at rest. There was a significant rise during exercise (p < 0.05). The application of methacholine significantly increased NTPD at rest (p < 0.01); there was a further rise during exercise (p < 0.02). We conclude that parasympathetic stimulation can increase the transmucosal potential difference.