Cholinergic neurotransmission links solitary chemosensory cells to nasal inflammation
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic nasal inflammation involving obstructed airflow and nasal discharge. Although nasal inflammation is often considered to be a reaction to allergens, approximately one-quarter of all cases are nonallergic rhinitis. The causes of this disease are unknown, but symptoms may be triggered or exacerbated by a variety of inhaled irritants or even seemingly innocuous odors. We report here that specialized chemosensory cells of the nasal epithelium of mice detect potential irritants and transmit this information to pain-sensing nerve terminals, which then release bioactive peptides to trigger an inflammatory response—all without the necessity for activity of the adaptive immune system. This previously unidentified pathway may offer therapeutic targets for intervention in nonallergic rhinitis.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- April 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1402251111
- Bibcode:
- 2014PNAS..111.6075S