TRPA1s act as chemosensors but not as cold sensors or mechanosensors to trigger the swallowing reflex in rats.

ABSTRACT: We examined the role of TRPA1s in triggering the swallowing reflex. TRPA1s predominantly localized on thin nerve fibers and fibroblast-like cells in swallowing-related regions and on small to medium-sized superior laryngeal nerve-afferents in the nodose-petrosal-jugular ganglionic complex. Topical application of a TRPA1 agonist, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), dose-dependently triggered swallowing reflexes. Prior topical application of a TRPA1 antagonist significantly attenuated the AITC-induced reflexes. Application of cold AITC (4 °C) very briefly reduced the on-site temperature to < 17 °C (temperature at which TRPA1s can be activated), but had no effect on triggering of the reflex. By contrast, reducing the on-site temperature to < 17 °C for a longer time by continuous flow of cold AITC or

SUBMITTER: Hossain MZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8891345 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature