Influence of chronic T10 spinal hemisection on the cough reflex in cats: functional manifestations of crossed spinal pathways.

• DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.20.5.a1213-a
• Publication Date: 2021-06-21T20:20:18Z
• Authors: Stephanie C. Jeff...; Melanie J. Rose; Nicole J. Tester; Adele E. Blum; Donald C. Bolser; Dena R. Howland
• Keywords: Cough reflex; Epiglottis

Spinal injury (SCI) can significantly impair cough and the influence of SCI on spatiotemporal mechanisms responsible for this behavior are unknown. We hypothesized that spinal hemisection would produce deficits in components cough. Experiments were performed eight anesthetized spontaneously breathing cats. Esophageal pressure (Pes) rectus abdominis (RA) electromyograms (EMG) recorded before 4 weeks after left T10 hemisection. Cough was elicited by mechanical stimulation vocal folds epiglottis through an oral approach. numbers average Pes similar injury. There no changes rise-times Pes, right RA EMG, or EMG during Normalized amplitudes also not changed SCI. significant relationships between (r=0.64, slope=0.94±0.14, p<0.001) (r=0.7, slope=1.15±0.14, disrupted (Pes vs r=−0.02, slope=−0.05±0.23, p<0.84; r=0.06, slope=0.01±0.19, p<0.63). The data indicate functionally effective crossed expiratory motor pathways allow transmission drive related to motoneurons below site. However, disrupts temporal relationship motoneuron pool pressures. Supported Dept Veterans Affairs, NIH NS050699 HL07125.