Vidian nerve resection in chronic hypertrophic non allergic rhinitis: effects on histamine content, number and rate of degranulation processes of mast cells in nasal mucosa

The effects of Vidian nerve resection on the histamine content, number and rate of degranulation processes of mast cells in the respiratory tract of the nasal mucosa in patients with intractable chronic hypertrophic non-allergic rhinitis (CHNAR) have been investigated at various times after surgery. Preliminary data are also presented on the effects of Vidian nerve stimulation on the same parameters. The Vidian nerve was stimulated during surgery before resection. After neurotomy the histamine content was significantly lower than before but the values became less low with the passing of time. The number of mast cells per microscopic field and their degranulation index were significantly lower after surgery than before it. Stimulation determines a significant reduction in the number of mast cells per microscopic field and a parallel reduction in histamine content. These data establish a relationship between cholinergic activity and secretory response of mast cells and demonstrate a role of the parasympathetic nerve supply in the pathogenesis of CHNAR. The great reduction in the number of mast cells and histamine content also suggests that the parasympathetic nerve supply could play a role in the regulation of histamine synthesis and uptake.