[Reflex control of laryngeal functions in the cat: the effect of vibratory stimuli of the laryngeal mucosa on the laryngeal reflex].

To investigate the effect of vibratory stimuli of the subglottic mucosa on the laryngeal reflex, experiments were performed on cats anesthetized with intraperitoneal injection of a mixture of urethane and chloralose. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was cut, while the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (ISLN) was mounted on stimulating electrodes. Electromyograms (EMG) were recorded from the contralateral thyreoarytenoid (TA), posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA), lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA), and cricothyreoid (CT) muscles. When the ISLN was electrically stimulated, the laryngeal reflex was induced. Short latency (early) and long latency (late) responses were observed in TA, PCA, LCA, and CT. Then, vibratory stimuli were applied to the surface of the subglottic mucosa. Vibratory frequencies used in this study were varied stepwise from 100 Hz to 400 Hz, with the amplitude adjusted at 20 microns. Vibratory stimuli had no effect on early responses but did, however, exert a facilitatory effect on late responses of TA and LCA in the transitional phase from inspiration to expiration and on late responses of PCA in the inspiratory phase. After denervation of ISLN, the vibratory effect on late responses disappeared completely. No significant vibratory effect was observed on CT in any respiratory phase. These results suggest that vibratory stimuli applied to the surface of the subglottic mucosa reflexively facilitate the laryngeal reflex and that ISLN afferents and respiratory drive modulate the laryngeal reflex.