Effect of oral diazepam on the sensitivity of upper airway reflexes.
In a double-blind, cross-over study, we have investigated the effect of oral diazepam 20 mg and placebo on the sensitivity of upper airway reflexes in 10 male volunteers (aged 25-35 yr). Upper airway reflex sensitivity (UARS) was assessed using small concentrations of ammonia vapour as a stimulus to upper airway receptors. A threshold concentration of ammonia, at which reflex glottic closure occurred in response to the ammonia stimulus, was used as a measure of UARS. With diazepam, there was significant depression of UARS from 30 to 150 min after administration.
Murphy
P J
PJ
University Department of Anaesthesia, Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Langton
J A
JA
Barker
P
P
Smith
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000641:Ammonia; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005931:Glottis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D012018:Reflex / Q000187:drug effects*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D000641:Ammonia; D003975:Diazepam