Edema formation in the rat larynx

In the rat larynx, plasma exudation and edema formation were studied by light and electron microscopy after i.v. injections of the mast cell activator compound 48/80, substance P, and capsaicin. The morphological effects of substance P and capsaicin on connective tissue mast cells in vivo were also examined. Of the drugs tested, only compound 48/80 degranulated the connective tissue mast cells. All drugs induced a subepithelial plasma exudation in the subglottic region, with edema in the lamina propria and widened intraepithelial intercellular spaces, though the tight junction regions seemed intact. In the epiglottis, 10 min after compound 48/80 injection, there was edema in the lamina propria on the lingual side, with an intact and tight epithelial lining. No morphological sign of edema was found in the epiglottis after injection of substance P or capsaicin. The pronounced effect found in the epiglottic region after compound 48/80 injection was due to the release of mediators such as histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine from the connective tissue mast cells. This study supports the belief that substance P in vivo mediates an increased vascular permeability by a direct effect on the blood vessels - a mechanism distinct from mast cell degranulation.