Cough response in specific pathogen-free guinea pig animal model.

Laboratory animal science associations recommend the usage of specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals in experiments to achieve appropriate results. However, their non-natural microbiome might represent an obstacle in the successful translation of obtained results into clinical practice, since the microbiome contributes to the regulation of the host's physiology. Inconsistent results, even in repeated experiments in separate animal groups, irrespective of the season or sex led us to assess the cough response of SPF animal variables and compare it to wild-type animals.

Modification of oestrogen signalling pathways influences cough induced by citric acid but not capsaicin in the animal model of both sexes.

To clarify the role of oestrogen signalling and the role of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in the cough pathways we performed a study in which coughing was observed in both sexes animal models after the treatment by selective ERα degrader fulvestrant (ICI 182-780) and inhibitor of oestrogen synthesis danazol. Degradation of ERα with the normal plasma oestrogen levels induced by fulvestrant, significantly augments the cough response of female but not male guinea pigs. These changes were observed in citric acid-induced cough.

The effect of stimulation and unloading of baroreceptors on cough in experimental conditions.

Cough, the main airway defensive process, is modulated by multiple sensory inputs from the respiratory system and outside of it. This modulation is one of the mechanisms that contributes to the sensitization of cough pathways at the peripheral and/or central level via neuroplasticity and it manifests most often as augmented coughing. Cardiorespiratory coupling is an important mechanism responsible for a match between oxygenation and cardiac output and bidirectional relationships exist between respiration and cardiovascular function.

Animal models of cough.

Cough is a vital airway reflex that keeps the respiratory tract wisely protected. It is also a sign of many diseases of the respiratory system and it may become a disease in its own right. Even though the efficacy of antitussive compounds is extensively studied in animal models with promising results, the treatment of pathological cough in humans is insufficient at the moment.

Acute consciousness disorders in intensive care medicine - value of its grading for prognostic conclusion.

Objectives: To understand consciousness we have to understand the mechanism of its function, which is to effectively organize sensory inputs from our environment. Consciousness is the basic, essential outcome of the process of organizing these sensory inputs, resulting in cognitive, mental, emotional, executive, instinctual or other marginally aware states. This reciprocal process of the CNS implies that organization is an act, which precedes consciousness, i.