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Glottis constriction response in healthy subjects
Guillaume Gourcerol1, Jean-Paul Marie, Eric Verin
1Service de Physiologie Digestive, Urinaire, Respiratoire et Sportive, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, CHU de Rouen, 1 rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen Cedex, France.
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|September 7, 2005
Summary
Magnetic stimulation of abdominal muscles reliably triggers a protective glottis constriction reflex. This non-invasive technique shows potential for evaluating upper airway reflexes in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neurology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- The glottis constriction reflex is a vital protective mechanism for the upper airway.
- Assessing this reflex typically involves invasive procedures.
- Non-invasive methods for evaluating airway reflexes are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the glottis constriction response induced by magnetic stimulation of abdominal muscle roots.
- To evaluate the relationship between gastric/esophageal pressures and pharyngo-laryngeal muscle activation.
- To determine the feasibility of using this method as a tool for assessing airway reflexes.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy subjects underwent T10-L1 intervertebral magnetic stimulation of abdominal muscle roots.
- Twitch flow, gastric pressure, and esophageal pressure were measured.
- Pharyngeal endoscopies were performed on five subjects to observe vocal cord movement and glottis constriction.
- Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess muscle activation latencies.
Main Results:
- Magnetic stimulation consistently induced positive gastric and esophageal pressures and expiratory flow.
- Increased stimulation intensity correlated with higher pressures and flow.
- Glottis constriction was observed in all subjects via endoscopy with a latency of 80-100ms.
- Peak pressure latencies were longer than peak flow and EMG latencies.
Conclusions:
- Transcutaneous magnetic stimulation of abdominal muscle roots effectively induces a glottis constriction reflex.
- This method provides a novel, non-invasive tool for assessing the upper airway protective reflex.
- The findings suggest potential clinical applications in evaluating airway function.