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Abnormal cough reflex in canine acrylamide neuropathy
M I Hersch1, J G McLeod, C E Sullivan
1Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Annals of Neurology
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Peripheral autonomic neuropathy significantly impairs the cough reflex, a vital airway protection mechanism. Recovery was observed after neurotoxin withdrawal, suggesting potential implications for patients with vagal neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- * Neuroscience
- * Respiratory Physiology
- * Autonomic Nervous System
Background:
- * Coughing is a critical protective reflex mediated by vagal afferent fibers and involves airway constriction.
- * Autonomic neuropathy is known to affect cardiovascular and gastrointestinal reflexes, but its impact on the cough reflex is unstudied.
- * Peripheral autonomic failure can compromise essential physiological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the effect of peripheral autonomic neuropathy on the cough reflex.
- * To assess both ventilatory and tracheomotor components of the cough reflex in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- * Acrylamide-induced neuropathy, a distal axonopathy, was created in conscious dogs.
- * The cough reflex was evaluated in response to mechanical airway irritation at various stages of neuropathy.
- * Recovery of the cough reflex was assessed after neurotoxin withdrawal.
Main Results:
- * A reduction in the cough reflex was observed in the preclinical phase of neuropathy.
- * The cough reflex was nearly abolished in dogs with moderate neuropathy.
- * Surviving animals showed substantial recovery of the cough reflex after neurotoxin withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- * Peripheral autonomic neuropathy, specifically vagal neuropathy, can significantly diminish the cough reflex.
- * Compromised cough reflex may impair airway protection in affected individuals.
- * The study highlights the importance of the vagal system in maintaining the integrity of the cough reflex.