Peripheral and central levels in nasal trigeminal sensitization and desensitization.

In order to investigate the role of central and peripheral mechanisms in nasal trigeminal sensitization/desensitization processes, the present work recorded psychophysical (intensity ratings) and psychophysiological (skin conductance) responses to allyl isothiocyanate volatile nasal stimulation--during normal breathing--in monorhinal condition after a controlateral stimulation of the other nostril. Insofar as both nostrils are anatomically separated, modifications in responses can be interpreted as a central regulation process. Results showed that sensitization was clearly related to central mechanisms contrarily to desensitization which depended only of peripheral level.