Acta oto-laryngologica
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Acta oto-laryngologica · Mar 1996
Comparative StudyThe pars flaccida middle ear pressure and mastoid pneumatization index.
The degree of pars flaccida retraction and the levels of mastoid pneumatization were assessed and correlated in 388 adults with intact pars tensa. Poorly pneumatized mastoids were found to be associated with retraction of pars flaccida; the poorer the pneumatization, the deeper the retraction. Well pneumatized mastoids were usually associated with normal position of the pars flaccida. ⋯ Thus, the correlation of deeper degrees of pars flaccida retractions with mastoid hypopneumatization (and vice versa) lends strength to the studies which show the mastoid pneumatic system to have a function of a passive ME pressure buffer. This observation lends further evidence as to why ears with poorly pneumatized mastoids are a priori at risk to develop complications such as SOM in adults, tympanic membrane retractions and perforations, incus necrosis or retraction pocket cholesteatoma. Ears with a large pneumatic system are hardly at such risk.
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Acta oto-laryngologica · Mar 1996
Receptorpharmacological models for the therapy of labyrinthine vertigo.
In the mammalian labyrinth, GABAA receptor subtypes are involved in the excitatory neurotransmission between the vestibular type II hair cells and the afferent neurons. Additional afferent ionophoric receptor channels, sensitive to further transmitter candidates, are discussed for both types I and II hair cells. GABA accelerates excitotoxic cell death in cortical neurons. ⋯ Moderate allosteric blockers of the GABAA receptor channel and weak inverse agonists of the benzodiazepine binding site meet some requirements for potentially successful clinical application. The suppressing action of the suitable drugs picrotoxin and flumazenil on labyrinthine nystagmus and vertigo, tested in clinical trials, supports the hypothesis that GABAA receptors are involved in vestibular neurotransmission, even in humans. The test results promise the development of a successful vestibular receptorpharmacology in the near future.
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Acta oto-laryngologica · Sep 1995
Effects of topical nasal decongestants on histology of nasal respiratory mucosa in rabbits.
The aim of this study was to evaluate histologic changes after long-term administration of the topical nasal decongestants phenylephrine and oxymetazoline. Ninety healthy rabbits were divided into 3 groups for topical administration for 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups by topical administration of phenylephrine. oxymetazoline, and physiologic saline as controls. ⋯ Mild widening of the intercellular space was observed in the 4-week phenylephrine group. Purulent maxillary sinusitis developed in 6 of 10 rabbits treated for 4 weeks with phenylephrine. The results of this study suggest that the administration of decongestants may cause ciliary loss with subsequent inflammatory changes in the nasal respiratory mucosa.
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Acta oto-laryngologica · May 1994
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialSore throat following nasal and oropharyngeal bradykinin challenge.
Nasal challenge with bradykinin has been previously reported to cause sore throat. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of sore throat by comparing the effects of nasal and oropharyngeal challenge with bradykinin on the sensation of sore throat. Twelve healthy volunteers (6 male, 6 female, mean age 29.9 years), were given nasal followed by oropharyngeal challenge with bradykinin. ⋯ Nasal challenge with vehicle did not cause any throat irritation, but both nasal and oropharyngeal challenge with bradykinin caused a significant increase in throat irritation scores at 5 and 15 min following challenge when compared with baseline scores. At 30 min following challenge, the throat irritation scores obtained on nasal challenge were significantly greater than those obtained on oropharyngeal challenge. The results demonstrate that nasal challenge with bradykinin causes a sensation of sore throat which is just as intense as that caused by oropharyngeal challenge and with the sensation of sore throat persisting for a longer period on nasal challenge when compared with oropharyngeal challenge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Acta oto-laryngologica · May 1993
Case ReportsSlow blood flow of the vertebrobasilar system in patients with dizziness and vertigo.
We evaluated 102 patients with dizziness or vertigo who were 50 years of age and over, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Slow blood flow (SBF) in the vertebrobasilar system was detected in 36 patients (35%). ⋯ No significant differences were found between patients with and without SBF with other neurotological tests. Because MRI can detect both infarcts in the hind-brain and SBF in the vertebral and basilar arteries it is recommended for evaluation of vascular disorders in older patients with vestibular symptoms.