QUANTITATIVE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL AGENTS ON THE ERECTILE TISSUE RESPONSE IN THE NOSE

Abstract

In previous communications¹ a new and simple manometric method was described for the accurate measurement of nasal aerodynamics. It was shown that by this method one could determine the comparative shrinkage efficiency of vasoconstrictor drugs commonly used in the treatment of nasal obstruction.² Before investigating the specific action of these drugs as administered by means of nasal sprays, it appeared essential to evaluate the physiologic effects of certain factors, such as (a) air pressure and (b) the tonicity of a solution, on the erectile tissue response of the inferior turbinate. The present study deals with an investigation of these factors. METHOD OF STUDY The apparatus (fig. 1) used was made up of a nasal catheter (F) with glass olive tips of suitable size; a standard flowmeter, to measure the volume of air flow (liters per minute); a convenient source of suction (V) and a series of two manometers, inclined {E)