Experiments in cats have shown that sneezing can be induced using low intensity electrical current. This study focusses on answering the question whether the sneezing-reflex can also be induced in man through electrical stimulation, whether it is reproducible, and if the response can be abolished pharmacologically? Three healthy males were tested using intranasal stimulation in different parts of the nose using a current from an electric pulse generator. Using currents in the range 2-11 mA, it was possible to induce and reproduce sneezing in the anterior portion of the nose corresponding to the distribution area of the anterior ethmoidal nerve. In one tested subject, local anaesthetics applied to the mucous membranes of the nose abolished the sneezing. Sneeze reflex-reduction may be one way to reduce viral contamination between subjects. Further research could include pharmacological investigations to identify a sneeze-inhibiting substance with small risks for side effects that can be added to common cold nasal sprays.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Selective amplification of ipRGC signals accounts for interictal photophobia in migraine.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
July 2020
Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104;
Second only to headache, photophobia is the most debilitating symptom reported by people with migraine. While the melanopsin-containing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are thought to play a role, how cone and melanopsin signals are integrated in this pathway to produce visual discomfort is poorly understood. We studied 60 people: 20 without headache and 20 each with interictal photophobia from migraine with or without visual aura.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPossible association between photic sneeze syndrome and migraine and psychological distress.
Neuropsychopharmacol Rep
September 2019
Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Japan.
Background: Photic sneeze syndrome (PSS) is a condition that causes sneezing when the eye is exposed to sudden bright light. Because alterations in the parasympathetic and trigeminal nerve systems have been implicated in PSS, and such systems are involved in migraine and stress-related disorders, we examined the possible associations of PSS with migraine and psychological distress.
Methods: The presence of PSS and migraine was examined in 11 840 participants from the general population using a self-report questionnaire.
Investigations on the prevalence of the photo-induced sneezing reflex in the German population, a representative cross-sectional study.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol
March 2017
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrberger Strasse, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
The sneezing reflex is a common phenomenon in human beings and animals. Until now largely uninvestigated sneezing phenomenon is the photic sneeze reflex, also known as the ACHOO (Autosomal Cholinergic Helio-Ophtalmologic Outburst). This light induced sneezing reflex is triggered by a bright light like the sun but also by artificial light.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFControl of coughing by medullary raphé.
Prog Brain Res
April 2015
Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Institute of Pathophysiology, Martin, Slovakia.
The medullary raphé nuclei participate in the regulation of breathing and airway defensive reflexes. Our focus was to analyze the effects of codeine and kainic acid within the medullary raphé on coughing, sneezing, solitary expulsions, and concomitant breathing changes using models of anesthetized cats (n=12) and rabbits (n=15) and microinjection techniques. Our findings are consistent with (1) involvement of neurons within the medullary raphé in the generation of the cough motor pattern by a codeine-sensitive and -insensitive mechanisms, (2) a contribution of raphé nuclei to the control of expiratory efforts, (3) limited contribution of the medullary raphé to the cough-gating mechanism, (4) minor contribution of respiration/coughing neuronal network, including the portion within raphé nuclei and the respiratory/cough central pattern generator, to the production of the sneeze reflex motor pattern.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFModulation of the cough reflex by GABA(A) receptors in the caudal ventral respiratory group of the rabbit.
Front Physiol
October 2012
Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiologiche, Università degli Studi di Firenze Firenze, Italy.
We have previously shown that the caudal ventral respiratory group (cVRG) is a possible site of action of some antitussive drugs and plays a crucial role in determining both the expiratory and inspiratory components of the cough motor pattern. In addition, it has been reported that medullary expiratory neurons of the cVRG are subject to potent GABAergic gain modulation. This study was devoted to investigate the role of cVRG GABA(A) receptors in the control of baseline respiratory activity and cough responses to mechanical and chemical (citric acid) stimulation of the tracheobronchial tree.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!