Abstract
We studied the effects of electrical stimulation of the superior salivatory nucleus (SSN) on the nasal blood flow, nasal airway resistance, and nasal secretion in ketamine or pentobarbital anesthetized cats. The blood flow of the nasal mucosa was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. Similar to the effects of stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve innervating the nasal mucosa, the SSN stimulation increased the nasal blood flow, nasal airway resistance, and nasal secretion on the ipsilateral side. These responses were not accompanied by changes in contralateral nasal blood flow, ipsilateral forelimb blood flow, blood pressure, or orofacial movement. Atropine administration partially inhibited the SSN-induced nasal vasodilatation without interfering with the effect on the nasal airway resistance. This vasodilatation was not affected by sympathectomy or guanethidine administration, but it was abolished by hexamethonium administration. It is suspected that the cells in the SSN control both nasal vasodilatation and secretion, and that the SSN output fibers responsible for the nasal parasympathetic control consist of both cholinergic and non-cholinergic fibers.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call