ACTIONS OF DESMOPRESSIN AND VASOPRESSIN ON THE PERFUSED NASAL VASCULATURE OF THE DOG

Desmopressin and vasopressin were injected into the blood supply of the bilaterally perfused nasal mucosa of the dog, Nasal vascular resistance and, in some experiments, nasal airflow resistance and the secretory output of the lateral nasal gland were measured on both sides. Systemic arterial blood pressure was recorded. Desmopressin caused a dose-related vasodilatation on the side of injection with no changes in systemic arterial blood pressure or secretion by the lateral nasal gland. Nasal airflow resistance did not change significantly. Vasopressin increased nasal vascular resistance on the side of injection with no changes in the systemic arterial blood pressure or secretion by the lateral nasal gland. Nasal airflow resistance did not change significantly. Thus desmopressin dilates the nasal vascular bed and vasopressin constricts it. The relevance of these findings to the use of the two agents applied into the nose in clinical practice is discussed.