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The effects of D and L Isomers of menthol upon nasal sensation of airflow

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

R. Eccles*
Affiliation:
(Cardiff)
D. H. Griffiths
Affiliation:
(Cardiff)
C. G. Newton
Affiliation:
(Cardiff)
N. S. Tolley
Affiliation:
(Cardiff)
*
R. Eccles, Senior Lecturer in Physiology, University College Cardiff, University College, P O Box 78, Cardiff CF1 1XL.

Abstract

Objective and subjective measurements of nasal airflow were made before and after inhalation of Vanilla, D-Menthol and L-Menthol separately. Despite the fact that the menthol isomers were mirror images of one another, only L-Menthol produced the sensation of increased nasal airway patency. No objective change in resistance was found after inhaling either D-Menthol, L-Menthol or the vanilla control. These findings demonstrate that L-Menthol exerts a specific action upon nasal sensory nerve endings, which are responsible for the subjective appreciation of nasal airflow.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1988

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