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Acid-sensitive vagal sensory pathways and cough
Marian Kollarik1, Fei Ru, Bradley J Undem
1The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. kollarik@jhmi.edu
Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|February 10, 2007
Summary
Acid significantly contributes to cough pathogenesis by stimulating vagal sensory nerves. Understanding acid-sensitive pathways, including TRPV1 and acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC), is crucial for managing cough, especially from gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Acid is a key factor in cough development.
- Both inhaled and endogenous acids can trigger cough.
- Acid stimulates vagal bronchopulmonary sensory nerves involved in the cough reflex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review acid-sensitive sensory pathways in cough.
- To discuss the mechanisms of acid sensitivity in the context of cough.
- To explore the role of acid in cough due to respiratory diseases and gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of acid-sensitive pathways.
- Discussion of vagal sensory nerve stimulation by acid.
- Examination of receptor roles, including TRPV1 and acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC).
Main Results:
- Acid directly stimulates Adelta-fibre and C-fibre nociceptors in airways.
- Acid is a primary mediator in gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR)-induced cough.
- Sensitization of cough pathways by oesophageal acid input is mediated by specific vagal nerves.
Conclusions:
- Acidic environments activate specific sensory nerves contributing to cough.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the roles of ASIC and other receptors in acid-induced cough.
- Understanding these pathways is vital for developing targeted cough therapies.
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