The proposal is for a continuation of our work on laryngeal receptors and an extension of this work to other regions of the upper airway (pharynx, nose) for which there is a substantial lack of knowledge in terms of afferent innervation. An experimental protocol (Aim #1) will study the properties of laryngeal receptors responding to irritant of physical and chemical nature known to cause cough and/or bronchoconstriction. Another protocol (Aim #2) will verify the possibility of changing the response of laryngeal cold receptors by changing the local perfusion. Local inflammatory processes could alter receptor function and thus the corresponding reflexes. The same protocol will be used to ascertain the specificity of menthol as a stimulant of laryngeal cold receptors. If effective this substance could be used as a tool to study the reflex effects of these endings. The experimental protocols designed for the study of pharyngeal (Aim #3) and nasal (Aim #4) receptors are based on our previous work on the larynx and will ascertain the presence in these areas of the upper airway of pressure, temperature and muscle contraction sensing endings. This fferent information is likely to play a significant role in the mechanisms preserving airway patency. The last project (Aim #5) concerns the role of the cricothyroid muscle in modifying upper airway resistance. The use of reversible paralysis of this and other laryngeal muscles, while the animal breathes spontaneously, should provide new and reliable evidence. Is the activity of this muscle useful or detrimental in cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL020122-14
Application #
3336038
Study Section
Respiratory and Applied Physiology Study Section (RAP)
Project Start
1976-12-01
Project End
1994-01-31
Budget Start
1991-02-01
Budget End
1992-01-31
Support Year
14
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Medical Br Galveston
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
041367053
City
Galveston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77555
Ishikawa, T; Sekizawa, S I; Sant'Ambrogio, F B et al. (1999) Larynx vs. esophagus as reflexogenic sites for acid-induced bronchoconstriction in dogs. J Appl Physiol 86:1226-30
Sekizawa, S; Ishikawa, T; Sant'Ambrogio, F B et al. (1999) Vagal esophageal receptors in anesthetized dogs: mechanical and chemical responsiveness. J Appl Physiol 86:1231-5
Ishikawa, T; Sekizawa, S; Sant' Ambrogio, F B et al. (1998) Endotracheal cuff pressure as an index of airway smooth muscle activity: comparison with total lung resistance. Respir Physiol 112:175-84
Sant'Ambrogio, G; Sant'Ambrogio, F B (1998) Action of moguisteine on the activity of tracheobronchial rapidly adapting receptors in the dog. Eur Respir J 11:339-44
Sant'Ambrogio, F B; Sant'Ambrogio, G; Chung, K (1998) Effects of HCl-pepsin laryngeal instillations on upper airway patency-maintaining mechanisms. J Appl Physiol 84:1299-304
Sekizawa, S I; Ishikawa, T; Sant'Ambrogio, G (1998) Asymmetry in reflex responses of nasal muscles in anesthetized guinea pigs. J Appl Physiol 85:123-8
Kuna, S T; Sant'Ambrogio, F B; Sant'Ambrogio, G (1996) Effect of airway surface liquid composition on laryngeal muscle activation. Sleep 19:S180-3
Sant'Ambrogio, G; Sant'Ambrogio, F B (1996) Role of laryngeal afferents in cough. Pulm Pharmacol 9:309-14
Sant'Ambrogio, F B; Anderson, J W; Kuna, S T et al. (1995) Effect of changes in airway surface liquid on laryngeal receptors and muscles. Respir Physiol 101:31-9
Sant'Ambrogio, G; Tsubone, H; Sant'Ambrogio, F B (1995) Sensory information from the upper airway: role in the control of breathing. Respir Physiol 102:1-16

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