Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on Guinea Pig Nasal Mucosa Vasculature

Abstract

The effect of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on guinea pig nasal mucosa vasculature was studied by in vitro assay. H₂O₂ elicited relaxation of guinea pig nasal mucosa strips precontracted with phenylephrine in a concentration-dependent manner. The relaxant response to H₂O₂ was abolished in the presence of catalase. Preincubation of the strips with N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or methylene blue significantly attenuated the relaxant responses elicited by H₂O₂. Fluorescence caused by DAF-2 DA, a fluorescence indicator for nitric oxide, was observed along the nasal mucosa vasculature in response to H₂O₂. These results suggest that H₂O₂ induced relaxation of the guinea pig nasal mucosa vasculature and that this relaxation in mediated by the NO/cGMP pathway.