Cytological and histological alterations in the nasal mucous membrane during experimental obstruction of nasal openings.

In an attempt to determine the respiratory nasal mucous membrane response, a complete surgical obstruction of both nasal openings was experimentally done in four dogs. The fifth animal served as a control. After a 5 month period, the mucous membrane was cytologically and histologically examined. The findings obtained pointed to the development of degenerative alterations involving all the mucous membrane layers. The authors have thus concluded that stimulation of the respiratory mucous membrane by air stream is the most important factor associated with its multiple functioning. The results obtained in the experiment have been related to the daily clinical routine.