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Effect of laryngeal anesthesia on pulmonary function testing in normal subjects
S T Kuna1, G E Woodson, G Sant'Ambrogio
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Laryngeal anesthesia, using lidocaine and cocaine, reduced inspiratory airflow and modified upper airway function in humans. This study investigated the role of laryngeal receptors in modulating airway patency.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The larynx plays a crucial role in regulating airway patency.
- Laryngeal receptors are suspected to influence respiratory control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of laryngeal anesthesia on pulmonary function and upper airway patency in humans.
- To explore the role of laryngeal receptors in modulating airway dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including flow volume loops and body box measurements, were conducted on normal subjects before and after laryngeal anesthesia.
- Laryngeal anesthesia was achieved using topical lidocaine and cocaine.
- Control experiments were performed using isotonic saline.
- Electrophysiological recordings of laryngeal nerve activity were performed in anesthetized dogs.
Main Results:
- Laryngeal anesthesia significantly decreased inspiratory flow parameters (Area I, peak inspiratory flow, forced inspiratory flow at various FVC percentages).
- Peak expiratory flow decreased, but expiratory flow parameters and functional residual capacity remained unchanged.
- Saline application did not alter PFT parameters.
- Anesthesia abolished or substantially reduced afferent superior laryngeal nerve activity in dogs.
Conclusions:
- Laryngeal receptors, particularly those innervated by the superior laryngeal nerve, appear to play a role in modulating upper airway patency.
- Anesthesia of these receptors impacts inspiratory airflow dynamics.