The Journal of physiology
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The Journal of physiology · Jun 1973
The effects of lung reflexes on laryngeal resistance and motoneurone discharge.
1. The reflex action of stimulation of alveolar J-receptors and of airway epithelial irritant receptors has been investigated on laryngeal resistance to airflow and on laryngeal motoneurone discharge in cats and rabbits.2. Resistance to airflow of the innervated larynx was measured (1) with the larynx isolated in situ with constant flow from the trachea to a pharyngeal opening; and (2) with the animal breathing through the larynx and the pharyngeal opening. ⋯ The laryngeal responses to histamine were more than halved by bilateral intrathoracic vagotomy.8. Phenyl diguanide and histamine increased the frequency of the discharge of inspiratory laryngeal motoneurones, but reduced the number of impulses per inspiratory phase. Laryngeal resistance in inspiration was usually increased.