Upper Esophageal Sphincter Response to Laryngeal Adductor Reflex Elicitation in Humans

verfasst von
Frederik Joshua Meisoll, Michael Jungheim, Jacob Friedemann Fast, Simone Miller, Martin Ptok
Abstract

Objective: The laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) is an important mechanism to secure the airways from potential foreign body aspiration. An involvement of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) in terms of a laryngo-UES contractile reflex has been identified after laryngeal mucosa stimulation. However, the LAR–UES relationship has not yet been fully explained. This study aimed to determine the magnitude, latency, and occurrence rate of the UES pressure response when the LAR is triggered in order to elucidate the functional relationship between the larynx and the UES. Methods: This prospective study included seven healthy volunteers (5 female, 2 male, age 22–34 years). Laryngeal penetration was simulated by eliciting the LAR 20 times in each individual by applying water-based microdroplets onto the laryngeal mucosa. UES pressures were measured simultaneously using high-resolution manometry. Results: Two distinct pressure phases (P1, P2) associated with the LAR were identified. P1 corresponded with a short-term UES pressure decrease in two subjects and a pressure increase in five subjects occurring 200 to 500 ms after the stimulus. In P2, all subjects experienced an increase in UES pressure with a latency time of approximately 800 to 1700 ms and an average of 40 to 90 mmHg above the UES resting tone. Conclusion: Foreign bodies penetrating the laryngeal inlet lead to a reflex contraction of the UES. Phase P1 could be a result of vocal fold activity caused by the LAR, leading to pressure changes in the UES. The constriction during P2 could strengthen the barrier function of the UES in preparation to a subsequent cough that may be triggered to clear the airways. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1778–E1784, 2021.

Organisationseinheit(en)
Institut für Mechatronische Systeme
Externe Organisation(en)
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH)
Typ
Artikel
Journal
Laryngoscope
Band
131
Seiten
E1778-E1784
ISSN
0023-852X
Publikationsdatum
06.05.2021
Publikationsstatus
Veröffentlicht
Peer-reviewed
Ja
ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete
Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde
Elektronische Version(en)
https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.29166 (Zugang: Offen)