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Electrical pharyngeal stimulation increases substance P level in saliva
S Suntrup-Krueger1, S Bittner1, S Recker1
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|February 13, 2016
Summary
Electrical pharyngeal stimulation (EPS) increased salivary Substance P (SP) levels by 28% in healthy subjects. This suggests EPS may be a potential therapy for swallowing disorders by boosting SP release.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide crucial for enhancing the swallow response.
- Reduced SP levels are implicated in post-stroke dysphagia, making SP a therapeutic target.
- Electrical pharyngeal stimulation (EPS) is a neuromodulation technique for swallowing restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if EPS can increase SP levels in saliva and serum.
- To evaluate EPS as a potential therapeutic strategy for dysphagia.
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover study involving 20 healthy volunteers.
- Real or sham EPS (10 min) applied to the pharynx via bipolar ring electrodes.
- Saliva and serum samples collected pre-, during, and post-stimulation for SP analysis via ELISA.
Main Results:
- Real EPS significantly increased salivary SP levels by approximately 28% compared to baseline (p < 0.01).
- Sham stimulation did not alter SP levels.
- Serum SP concentrations remained unchanged after EPS.
Conclusions:
- Electrical pharyngeal stimulation effectively induces pharyngeal SP release in healthy individuals.
- This finding supports EPS as a potential intervention for conditions involving reduced SP and dysphagia.
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