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Related Experiment Videos

Mucociliary activity and the diving reflex.

S Lindberg1, J Dolata, U Mercke

  • 1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.

American Journal of Otolaryngology
|May 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary
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Water in the nasopharynx increases mucociliary activity via a cholinergic mechanism, distinct from the breathing inhibition seen in the diving reflex. Mechanical stimulation also boosts mucociliary function.

Area of Science:

  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Airway irritants like smoke and ammonia stimulate capsaicin-sensitive nerves, increasing mucociliary activity.
  • These irritants also inhibit breathing, resembling the mammalian diving reflex.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if increased mucociliary activity is part of the diving reflex.
  • To differentiate responses to water challenge from mechanical nasal stimulation.

Main Methods:

  • Anesthetized rabbits received water injections into the nasopharynx.
  • Mucociliary and respiratory responses were measured and compared to mechanical intranasal stimulation.
  • Pharmacological interventions included atropine and capsaicin pretreatment.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Water challenge increased mucociliary activity by 21.6% (cholinergic-mediated) but inhibited respiration by 45%.
  • Mechanical stimulation increased mucociliary activity by 22.0% and respiration by 40%.
  • Atropine blocked water-induced mucociliary acceleration; capsaicin did not affect it. Neither blocked respiratory inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • Water-induced mucociliary acceleration is mediated by cholinergic pathways, not capsaicin-sensitive nerves, and is separate from the diving reflex's respiratory inhibition.
  • Mechanical stimulation activates capsaicin-sensitive nerves, leading to mucociliary acceleration and subsequent sneezing with increased respiration.