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04:33
Methods for Detecting Cough and Airway Inflammation in Mice
Published on: August 2, 2024
Sweet taste and menthol increase cough reflex thresholds.
Paul M Wise1, Paul A S Breslin, Pamela Dalton
1Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3308, USA. pwise@monell.org
Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|April 3, 2012
Summary
Sweet tastes and menthol vapor can suppress the cough reflex. This finding may explain the effectiveness of some over-the-counter cough remedies and suggests menthol could reduce smoke irritation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Chemosensation
- Respiratory Reflexes
Background:
- Cough is a crucial protective reflex against mechanical and chemical irritants.
- The influence of chemosensory stimuli on cough reflex sensitivity is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how sweet taste and menthol vapor modulate cough reflex thresholds.
- To determine the specificity of chemosensory modulation on cough.
Main Methods:
- Cough reflex thresholds were measured using a capsaicin inhalation challenge.
- Participants rinsed with sucrose (sweet), sucrose octaacetate (bitter), or water (control).
- Participants inhaled menthol vapor or control vapor.
Main Results:
- Sucrose rinsing and menthol vapor inhalation significantly increased cough thresholds.
- Sucrose octaacetate caused a non-significant decrease in cough thresholds, indicating specificity.
- These findings demonstrate that specific chemosensory stimuli can reduce cough reflex sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Sweet taste and menthol can suppress the cough reflex, potentially explaining the efficacy of some non-pharmacological cough treatments.
- Reduced cough sensitivity may contribute to the palatability of mentholated tobacco products.
- Chemosensory modulation offers a novel perspective on managing cough and airway irritation.
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