Pharmacology of vagal afferent nerve activity in guinea pig airways.
The excitability and activity of vagal afferent nerves innervating the airways can be pharmacologically increased and decreased. Autacoids released as a result of airway inflammation can lead to substantial increases in afferent nerve activity, consequently altering pulmonary reflex physiology. In a manner analogous to hyperalgesia associated with inflammation in the somato-sensory system, increases in vagal afferent nerve activity in inflamed airways may lead to a heightened cough reflex, and increases in autonomic activity in the airways. These effects may contribute to many of the symptoms of inflammatory airway disease. Here we provide a brief overview of some of the mechanisms by which the afferent activity in airway nerves can be pharmacologically modified.
Carr
Michael J
MJ
UCB Research Inc, 840 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Undem
Bradley J
BJ
D000818:Animals; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000494:pharmacology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007249:Inflammation; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000294:innervation*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology*; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D010641:Phenotype; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology*
D002211:Capsaicin