Does nitric oxide mediate plasma extravasation induced by electrical stimulation of the superior salivatory nucleus in cat nasal mucosa?

The effects of electrical stimulation, applied to the superior salivatory nucleus (SSN) or the cervical sympathetic nerve, on vascular permeability in nasal mucosa were studied in 16 cats. Plasma extravasation was quantified by using Evans blue. Vascular permeability in the cat nasal mucosa was increased by the electrical stimulation of SSN. Plasma extravasation induced by SSN stimulation was reduced by administration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) antagonist, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Administration of atropine did not affect increased vascular permeability by SSN stimulation. We conclude that neurogenic plasma extravasation in cat nasal mucosa evoked by the parasympathetic nerve is not mediated by cholinergic fibers but rather by nitric oxide.