Functional anatomy of the vagal innervation of the cervical trachea of the dog

• Published in: Journal of applied physiology (1985) Vol. 89; no. 1; pp. 139 - 142
• Main Authors: Coon, Robert L, Mueller, Patrick J, Clifford, Philip S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bethesda, MD Am Physiological Soc 01.07.2000; American Physiological Society
• Subjects: Anatomy & physiology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Bronchoconstriction - physiology; Cardiorespiratory control. Arterial mecano- and chemoreceptor; Dogs; Efferent Pathways - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Muscle, Smooth - innervation; Muscle, Smooth - physiology; Muscular system; Nervous system; Throat; Trachea - innervation; Trachea - physiology; Vagus Nerve - anatomy & histology; Vagus Nerve - physiology; Vertebrates: respiratory system; Fissipedia; Carnivora; Innervation; Smooth muscle; Respiratory system; Respiratory tract; Vertebrata; Bronchoconstriction; Mammalia; Autonomic nervous system; Vagus nerve; Respiratory control; Dog; Trachea
• ISSN: 8750-7587; 1522-1601
• DOI: 10.1152/jappl.2000.89.1.139

Departments of Anesthesiology and Physiology, Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53295 The canine cervical trachea has been used for numerous studies regarding the neural control of tracheal smooth muscle. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there is lateral dominance by either the left or right vagal innervation of the canine cervical trachea. In anesthetized dogs, pressure in the cuff of the endotracheal tube was used as an index of smooth muscle tone in the trachea. After establishment of tracheal tone, as indicated by increased cuff pressure, either the right or left vagus nerve was sectioned followed by section of the contralateral vagus. Sectioning the right vagus first resulted in total loss of tone in the cervical trachea, whereas sectioning the left vagus first produced either a partial or no decrease in tracheal tone. After bilateral section of the vagi, cuff pressure was recorded during electrical stimulation of the rostral end of the right or left vagus. At the maximum current strength used, stimulation of the left vagus produced tracheal constriction that averaged 28.5% of the response to stimulation of the right vagus (9.0 ±   1.8 and 31.6 ± 2.5 mmHg, respectively). In conclusion, the musculature of cervical trachea in the dog appears to be predominantly controlled by vagal efferents in the right vagus nerve. smooth muscle; lung; autonomic nervous system; airway; vagus nerve; parasympathetic control; bronchoconstriction