Aim: To test the hypothesis according that the receptors located in the nasal fontanels influence the regulation of the tracheobronchial tree vagus tone.
Methods: Changes in respiratory parameters (forced expiratory volume in the first second- FEV1 and total resistance- Rt) occurring consequentially to light mechanical nasal stimulation were determined in healthy volunteer, non-smokers using spirometric and body plethysmographic measurements. The parameters were measured before and at 15 and 60 min after mechanical stimulation with cotton pledge.
Results: In subjects in whom the middle nasal meatus was stimulated by a cotton pledge soaked in saline, FEV1 decreased (p=0.01) and Rt increased (p=0.03). In subjects in whom the middle nasal meatus was stimulated by a cotton pledge soaked in 5% cocaine solution, no change was observed. In the control group of subjects, in whom the inferior nasal concha was stimulated by a cotton pledge soaked in saline, only a statistically significant decrease for FEV1 (p=0.04) was found.
Conclusion: There is a reflex communication between the nasal fontanel receptors and lungs, which is regulating the tracheobronchial vagal tone and resistance in lung airways. Further studies of this important physiologic relation are needed.