Effect of changes in airway surface liquid on laryngeal receptors and muscles

The effects of aerosolizing distilled water and isosmolal dextrose in the isolated larynx on the activity of pressure-responsive receptors and laryngeal muscles were studied in anesthetized dogs. Following water aerosolization, the mean discharge of pressure-responsive laryngeal mechanoreceptors during upper airway breathing and occlusion was 151% and 138% respectively of that present after saline aerosolization. During delivery of water aerosol, the peak activity of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle increased to 229 +/- 56% of control; no effects were present on the thyroarytenoid muscle activity. Saline or isosmolal dextrose aerosols did not have any effect on the activity of either muscle. The reflex increase in posterior cricoarytenoid muscle activity due to laryngeal negative pressure was enhanced (163%) when the negative pressure challenge was repeated following distilled water aerosol. These results suggest that alteration in laryngeal surface liquid composition modifies the response of pressure-responsive laryngeal receptors and thereby the reflex activation of airway patency maintaining muscles.