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Alpha-adrenergic mRNA subtype expression in the human nasal turbinate.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Stafford-Smith, M; Bartz, R; Wilson, K; Baraniuk, JN; Schwinn, DA
Published in: Can J Anaesth
July 2007

PURPOSE: Alpha-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist drugs (e.g., epinephrine) are commonly used for upper airway procedures, to shrink the mucosa, retard absorption of local anesthetic agents, and improve visualization by limiting hemorrhage. Decongestant therapy often also includes alphaAR agonist agents, however overuse of these drugs (e.g., oxymetazoline) can result in chronic rhinitis and rebound increases in nasal secretion. Since current decongestants stimulate alphaARs non-selectively, characterization of alphaAR subtype distribution in human airway (nasal turbinate) offers an opportunity to refine therapeutic targets while minimizing side-effects. We, therefore, investigated alphaAR subtype expression in human nasal turbinate within epithelial, duct, gland, and vessel cells using in situ hybridization. METHODS: Since sensitive and specific anti-receptor antibodies and highly selective alphaAR subtype ligands are currently unavailable, in situ hybridization was performed on sections of three human nasal turbinate samples to identify distribution of alphaAR subtype mRNA. Subtype specific (35)S-labelled mRNA probes were incubated with nasal turbinate sections, and protected fragments remaining after RNase treatment analyzed by light and darkfield microscopy. RESULTS: In non-vascular tissue alpha(1d) AR mRNA predominates, whereas notably the alpha(2c) is the only alphaAR subtype present in the sinusoids and arteriovenous anastamoses. CONCLUSION: Combined with the current understanding that AR-mediated constriction of nasal sinusoids underpins decongestant therapies that minimize secretions and shrink tissues for airway procedures, these findings suggest that alpha(2c) AR subtypes provide a novel selective target for decongestant therapy in humans.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Can J Anaesth

DOI

ISSN

0832-610X

Publication Date

July 2007

Volume

54

Issue

7

Start / End Page

549 / 555

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Turbinates
  • Sulfur Radioisotopes
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Nasal Mucosa
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Humans
  • Exocrine Glands
  • Anesthesiology
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
 

Citation

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Stafford-Smith, M., Bartz, R., Wilson, K., Baraniuk, J. N., & Schwinn, D. A. (2007). Alpha-adrenergic mRNA subtype expression in the human nasal turbinate. Can J Anaesth, 54(7), 549–555. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03022319
Stafford-Smith, Mark, Raquel Bartz, Katrina Wilson, James N. Baraniuk, and Debra A. Schwinn. “Alpha-adrenergic mRNA subtype expression in the human nasal turbinate.Can J Anaesth 54, no. 7 (July 2007): 549–55. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03022319.
Stafford-Smith M, Bartz R, Wilson K, Baraniuk JN, Schwinn DA. Alpha-adrenergic mRNA subtype expression in the human nasal turbinate. Can J Anaesth. 2007 Jul;54(7):549–55.
Stafford-Smith, Mark, et al. “Alpha-adrenergic mRNA subtype expression in the human nasal turbinate.Can J Anaesth, vol. 54, no. 7, July 2007, pp. 549–55. Pubmed, doi:10.1007/BF03022319.
Stafford-Smith M, Bartz R, Wilson K, Baraniuk JN, Schwinn DA. Alpha-adrenergic mRNA subtype expression in the human nasal turbinate. Can J Anaesth. 2007 Jul;54(7):549–555.
Journal cover image

Published In

Can J Anaesth

DOI

ISSN

0832-610X

Publication Date

July 2007

Volume

54

Issue

7

Start / End Page

549 / 555

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Turbinates
  • Sulfur Radioisotopes
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Nasal Mucosa
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Humans
  • Exocrine Glands
  • Anesthesiology
  • 3202 Clinical sciences