Central effects of tachykinin peptide on tracheal secretion

Tachykinin peptides acting on structures located on the ventral surface of the medulla can increase cholinergic outflow to the tracheal smooth muscles and augment respiratory motor output. In the experiments reported here (performed in anesthetized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated dogs), we examined the effects of tachykinin peptides substance P on secretion from submucosal glands. Changes in secretion were measured in an exposed section of tantalum-coated tracheal epithelium. Substances P was administered intracisternally or applied topically on the intermediate area of the ventral surface of medulla (VMS). Intracisternal infusion and the local medullary administration of tachykinin peptide caused a significant increase in tracheal submucosal gland secretion. Atropine given intravenously prevented the secretory changes induced by central action of tachykinins. In addition, prior application of 2% lidocaine to the medullary surface blocked the responses caused by substance P locally applied on the VMS. These findings suggest that substances P acting centrally can tracheal fluid secretion mainly via cholinergic mechanisms, and that the ventral surface of the medulla is one of the site of these action.