Cholinergic agents in the laryngeal chemoreflex model of sudden infant death syndrome.

Abstract

The laryngeal chemoreflex results in apnea, laryngospasm, and cardiovascular changes that can be fatal when a liquid stimulus is placed on the laryngeal mucosa of infant mammals. This study of 35 piglets assessed the effects of the cholinergic agents atropine and edrophonium on this laryngeal reflex response. Atropine, when placed intrathecally, resulted in a significant reduction of apnea as well as a decrease in the cardiovascular changes that occur during the reflex 60 minutes following its injection. Edrophonium, when placed intrathecally, resulted in a significant prolongation of apnea as well as death by asystole in 2 animals during laryngeal stimulation. Atropine placed intravenously also resulted in a significant reduction of apnea length, but required greater than 180 minutes to do so.