[The rat as a suitable experimental animal in rhinology. Electronmicroscopic study of the nasal mucosa and its innervation].

The fine morphology and nerve supply of the nasal respiratory mucosa of six rats was investigated electron microscopically in osmium and permanganate fixed material. It was found that the subepithelial zone of the nasal lining contained a network of fenestrated capillaries which apparently was involved in the humidification mechanism of the inhaled air. The blood vessels that constituted the cavernous tissues were characterized by the porosity of their endothelial basement membranes and by their dual autonomic nerve supply. The nasal glands and the smooth muscle cells associated with the acini only received parasympathetic innervation. These and other characteristics of the rat's nose match those of man. Therefore, the rat should be a suitable animal for experimental rhinologic work.