Low temperature results in decreased tension in decellularized human nasal mucosa

Background: Cooling may induce nasal obstruction. In our previous study, we showed low temperature induced a rapid relaxation of isolated human nasal mucosa and it was independent of vasoconstriction. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism responsible for such findings. Methods: Nasal mucosa strips were prepared from inferior turbinate samples. Decellularization of human nasal mucosa was achieved by treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate 0.1% for 15 hours at 37°C in a shaking water bath. Then, the effect of cooling (37-10°C) on the isometric tension change of decellularized nasal mucosa was evaluated. In addition, the presence of elastic fibers within the nasal mucosa was identified in both histological section and scanning electron microscope. Results: Results indicated cooling induced a relaxation response of isolated decellularized human nasal mucosa and it was similar to that of intact nasal mucosa. The elastic fibers formed in wavy lines and were distributed throughout the submucosal layer. Conclusion: Cooling induced a similar relaxation response both in the absence or in the presence of cellular components in isolated human nasal mucosa, suggesting that this response is mediated by the abundant extracellular matrix.