Nasal vascularization: experiences using the microcorrosion technique in human foetuses.

The authors have studied the three-dimensional aspect of the vascular architecture of the nasal mucosa, using the microcorrosion method followed by scanning electron microscopical observation of casts of the vascular networks in both the septum and the lateral part of the nose. Batson's compound was introduced into the vascular system through the ascending aorta, in order to obtain a replica of the nasal mucosa vessels. Twelve- to 24-week-old foetuses obtained from spontaneous abortions were used for this purpose.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of sobrerol granules in patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis.

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the safety and efficacy of 900 mg/day sobrerol granules given for up to 10 days was assessed in 40 patients with chronic catarrhal rhinosinusitis. At the beginning of treatment a total of six patients had a fever, whereas body temperature was normal in all patients at the end of the treatment. Treatment with sobrerol significantly (P less than 0.01) reduced frontal headache and rhinorrhoea, efficacy being confirmed by rhinomanometry. Patients treated with placebo experienced an improvement in frontal headache, rhinorrhoea,and overall rhinomanometry scores. Treatment with sobrerol was well tolerated but two patients treated with placebo reported adverse reactions (stomach pain and cutaneous rash). These preliminary data suggest that sobrerol could be useful if administered with an anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of chronic catarrhal rhinosinusitis.

[Arteriovenous anastomosis in nasal cavities using microcorrosion technique]. / Studio delle anastomosi artero-venose delle cavità nasali con tecnica microcorrosiva.

In the present study the morphology of arteriovenous anastomoses in the nasal area are analyzed using the microcorrosion technique. This technique calls for perfusion of the vascular system, passing through the left ventricle, with Batson's of the vessels. For the first time in the microcorrosion study of the nasal vascular network human fetuses (from the 12th to 24th week of intrauterine life) obtained from spontaneous abortions were used as well as rats weighing from 250 to 300 gr. The animals were anesthetized with sodium thiopental prior to administration of the resin. A specimen containing the facial muscles, the nasal pyramid, the maxillary bone and the palatine bones was excised. Then, from this specimen the nasal septum and the two lateral portions of the nose were obtained. The bony and soft perivascular tissues were removed by placing the casts in an aqueous 20% KOH solution. Finally the corrosion cases were observed under a scanning electron microscope (EM). Within the nasal cavities the microcorrosion technique makes it possible to identify three different vascular layers: superficial, intermediate and deep. In the latter it proved possible to visualize the two types of arteriovenous anastomoses: i.e. simple and complex. On the basis of both vascular course and the impressions left by the endothelial cell nuclei it proved possible to differentiate between the arterial and venous portions of the anastomoses.