ClearUP Mechanisms of Action: Two Principal Pathways
1. Vasoconstriction
- The blood vessels that supply the sinus and nasal mucosa are surrounded by sympathetic nerve fibers.
- Electrical stimulation of sympathetic nerve fibers has been shown to promote release of norepinephrine.1-3
- Norepinephrine facilitates smooth muscle contraction around the blood vessels, leading to vasoconstriction.4
- Vasoconstriction of arterioles and venous vessels, in the context of sinonasal inflammation, results in smaller vessel diameter, relieving pressure on the nerves and reducing resistance to air flow.
- Over time, repeated vasoconstriction can reduce edema and extravasation of inflammatory immune cells, contributing to reduced symptom severity.
2. Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation
- The trigeminal nerve — the ophthalmic nerve (V1) and maxillary nerve (V2) — is responsible for relaying sensory information to the brain.
- Electrical microcurrent delivered in the periorbital regions stimulates subcutaneous fibers of these branches.
- Neuromodulation of the trigeminal nerve pathway may alleviate sensations of pain and pressure.
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Resources
- Mandel, Yossi, et al. “Vasoconstriction by electrical stimulation: new approach to control of non-compressible hemorrhage.” Scientific Reports 3 (2013)
- Franco, O.S., et al. “Effects of different frequencies of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on venous vascular reactivity.” Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 47.5 (2014): 411-418.
- Malm, L. “Stimulation of sympathetic nerve fibres to the nose in cats.” Acta otolaryngologica 75.2-6 (1973); 519-526.
- Fischer, Laurent, et al. “Adrenergic and non-adrenergic vasoconstrictor mechanisms in the human nasal mucosa.” Rhinology 31.1 (1993): 11-15.