Adrenergic and cholinergic receptors in human nasal mucosa in cases of nasal allergy.

We have demonstrated for the first time alpha-1 adrenergic, beta-adrenergic, and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in human nasal mucosa obtained from patients with nasal allergy or sinusitis. Using the radioligand 3H-prazosin, 3H-dihydroalprenolol (3H-DHA) and 3H-quinaclidinyl benzilate (3H-QNB), we determined the receptor densities (Bmax) and affinities (KD) of alpha-1, beta, and muscarinic receptors. There was an increased number of muscarinic receptors and a decreased number of alpha-1, beta receptors in patients with nasal allergy but not in those with sinusitis. Binding affinities (KD) of alpha-1, beta, and muscarinic receptors were unchanged in all patients with nasal allergy and sinusitis. Disorders of the autonomic nerve receptors appear to play a definite role in pathology of nasal allergy.