Functional effects of neuropeptide Y receptors on blood flow and nitric oxide levels in the human nose

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine dose-dependent effects of intranasal application of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on nasal mucosal blood flow, blood content, and intranasal nitric oxide (NO) concentration. Blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and blood content by rhinomanometry. Mucosal biopsies were taken for investigation of Y1 and Y2 receptor mRNA expression, using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Intranasal application of NPY evoked a dose-dependent reduction of nasal mucosal blood flow. Maximal vasoconstriction, seen at 12 nmol, was -37.5 +/- 6.2%, p < 0.05 (n = 9). The vasoconstrictive effect developed within 2 to 4 min and lasted > 17 min. NPY evoked a dose-dependent reduction of nasal airway resistance (NAR) on the ipsilateral side. Maximal decrease was -24.0 +/- 10.0% at 12 nmol, p < 0.05 (n = 9). There was a decrease in nasal NO production on the ipsilateral side after application of NPY 12 nmol (-7.4 +/- 1.2%, p < 0.05, n = 8). RT-PCR products corresponding to Y1 receptor but not Y2 receptor mRNA were obtained from biopsies of the nasal mucosa. In conclusion, NPY is a potent vasoconstrictor in the human nose reducing mucosal blood flow, as well as the blood content. The effect is probably mediated via Y1 receptors. NPY receptor agonists may prove beneficial in the treatment of the congested nose in allergic or vasomotor rhinitis.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1724-1728
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Volume160
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1999

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Respiratory Medicine and Allergy

Free keywords

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Adult
  • Airway Resistance/drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laser-Doppler Flowmetry
  • Male
  • Nasal Mucosa/blood supply
  • Neuropeptide Y/administration & dosage
  • Nitric Oxide/metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger/analysis
  • Receptors, Neuropeptide Y/metabolism
  • Regional Blood Flow/drug effects
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Vasoconstriction/drug effects

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