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Biomedical subjects

R Shaker

Publications and source records attributed to R Shaker.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Mechanism and timing of nasopharyngeal closure during swallowing and belching.

The mechanism(s) of nasopharyngeal closure (NPC) and its temporal relationship with other biomechanical events during swallowing and belching were studied in seven healthy volunteers, aged 26-39 yr, by concurrent videoendoscopic, videofluoroscopic, and manometric technique. Analysis of the videoendoscopic recordings showed that deglutitive NPC consisted of elevation of the soft palate and adduction of the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. Videofluoroscopy identified only the palatal elevation clearly. During belching, however, only palatal elevation occurred. Deglutitive NPC ranged between 0.73 and 0.94 s (0.8 +/- 0.04 SE), with a tendency to be longer with larger swallowed volumes. Onset of NPC was identified earlier endoscopically than as seen fluoroscopically. Complete NPC preceded the arrival of barium bolus into the pharynx, and this pattern was seen for all volumes tested. Manometric onset of upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation was seen before the onset of NPC, but the physical opening of the UES as seen fluoroscopically occurred after complete closure of the nasopharynx. We conclude the following: 1) The mechanism of NPC during swallowing and belching is different. During swallowing, NPC has two tiers of closure, palatal elevation and superior pharyngeal muscle adduction; during belching only palatal elevation occurs. 2) NPC is tightly coordinated with other biomechanical events during swallowing and belching.

Adult↗

Effect of aging on the deglutitive oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal motor function.

Aging affects some members of the swallowing orchestra and spares the others. It seems that changes in the pharynx of the elderly are more of a positive nature than a negative one and reflect an adaptation to age-induced structural changes of the upper esophageal sphincter. In the esophagus, the positive change in deglutitive peristaltic amplitude and duration seem to revert to a negative one over the age of 90 years. In the upper esophageal sphincter, it appears that aging reduces the resting pressure, but spares its response to various stimuli. Considering the increasing elderly population and their medical needs, further normalcy data about various manometric aspects of deglutition is needed for physiologic studies as well as diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Adult↗

An update on the physiology of the components of the upper esophageal sphincter.

The upper esophageal sphincter is composed of both opening and closing muscles. The opening muscles include the thyrohyoideus and the geniohyoideus, and the closing muscles include the cricopharyngeus, thyropharyngeus, and cervical esophagus. The relative contribution of each muscle to the opening and closing of the UES varies with the physiologic state. Although the cricopharyngeus may be the primary muscle of the UES, it cannot account for all of the observed functions of the UES.

Arousal↗

Effect of aging, position, and temperature on the threshold volume triggering pharyngeal swallows.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Swallows triggered by direct stimulation of pharyngeal structures may help to prevent aspiration by emptying the pharynx. The aims of this study were to compare the biomechanical events of the pharyngeal and primary swallow, determine the threshold volume of liquid required to trigger the pharyngeal swallows, and determine the effect of aging, position, and temperature on this threshold volume. METHODS: Concurrent manometry, video fluoroscopy, and video endoscopy were used to study young and elderly healthy volunteers. RESULTS: During pharyngeal swallows, in contrast to primary swallows, the free portion of the tongue did not make contact with the hard palate. In addition, pharyngeal swallows did not result in oral bolus clearance. All other biomechanical events, including deglutitive glottal function, were similar in both types of swallows. The threshold volume for pharyngeal swallows in young volunteers was significantly smaller than in the elderly (P < 0.01). Temperature and position did not have significant effects on threshold volume. CONCLUSIONS: Swallowing is readily induced by water stimulation of the pharynx. Pharyngeal swallows do not induce lingual peristalsis or clearance of oral content. The threshold volume of the pharyngeal swallow is significantly higher in the elderly than in the young, but it is not affected by body position or bolus temperature.

Adult↗

Identification and characterization of the esophagoglottal closure reflex in a feline model.

To identify a suitable animal model and to delineate the neural pathway and target organs of the esophagoglottal closure reflex we studied three species. Study showed the existence of an esophagoglottal closure reflex in cats. The presence of this reflex could not be documented in the opossum. In monkeys, because of the inadequacy of the available recording devices, its presence could not be ascertained. In the feline model, the closure response of the vocal folds to the abrupt generalized and segmental distension of the esophagus was similar to that of the humans. Study findings indicate that among glottal adductor muscles at least interarytenoid and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles are involved as target organs of the esophagoglottal closure reflex. Decerebration did not change the frequency of glottal closure response to esophageal distension, supporting the notion that this reflex is completely under brain stem control. Bilateral cervical vagotomy abolished the glottal closure induced by esophageal distension indicating that this reflex is mediated by the vagus nerve. Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure response to esophageal distension by air was variable, suggesting that glottal and UES response to esophageal distension, although closely coordinated, are not dependent on one another. In summary, an esophagoglottal closure reflex exists in feline species, and many similarities in the elicitation and mediation of this reflex have been found with that of humans. This model could be used for further physiological studies.

Air↗

Characterization and quantification of a pharyngo-UES contractile reflex in cats.

We characterized and quantified a reflex from the pharyngeal mucosa to the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Seventeen cats were decerebrated, and the pharynx was exposed by opening the cricothyroid ligament. UES motor activity was assessed by recording electromyographic (EMG) activity from the pharyngeal constrictors, i.e., the thyropharyngeus (TP) and cricopharyngeus (CP). The pharyngeal mucosa was stimulated by touch or pressure. Both stimuli activated contraction of the CP primarily when applied to the naso-, laryngo-, or hypopharynx, but pressure was more effective. The anteromedial portion of the hypopharynx was the most sensitive zone, but there was no strong stimulus-response relationship. The reflex response to a 1-s stimulus occurred at a delay of 0.46 +/- 0.06 s and lasted 4.5 +/- 0.5 s. This pharyngo-UES reflex was blocked by anesthesia of the mucosa or transection of the glossopharyngeal or pharyngoesophageal nerves but not the vagus nerves. In contrast, the esophago-UES contractile reflex was not blocked by anesthesia of the pharyngeal mucosa or transection of the glossopharyngeal nerves but was blocked by transection of either the vagus or pharyngoesophageal nerves. We concluded that the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex was activated by pharyngeal mucosal mechanoreceptors whose afferent limb was the glossopharyngeal nerve and whose efferent limb was the pharyngoesophageal branch of the vagus nerve.

Animals↗

Coordination between respiration and swallowing: respiratory phase relationships and temporal integration.

The coordination of breathing and swallowing was studied in 13 young healthy adult subjects during the administration of graduated volumes of water (3, 10, and 20 ml). Simultaneous submental electromyography, respiratory plethysmography, and fiber-optic endoscopy revealed a well-timed pattern between physiological respiratory events and related swallowing events. Expiration was the phase of respiration that was most closely associated with deglutition. Respiration was usually maintained at the onset of deglutition and halted before the onset of laryngeal elevation. The apneic interval was approximately 1 s for the 3-, 10-, and 20-ml boluses. A large-volume (100-ml) straw swallow resulted in variable respiration-swallowing patterns and in statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) in the duration of apneic pause and laryngeal excursion. The expiratory phase of respiration resumed nearly 0.50 s before the completion of swallowing. Clinical implications of the findings are addressed and related to aspiration and pulmonary complications in dysphagic patients.

Adolescent↗

Gastroesophageal reflux disease as a likely cause of "idiopathic" subglottic stenosis.

The cause of subglottic stenosis (SGS) is unknown for a subgroup of patients in which there is a female predominance. Seven women ranging in age from 39 to 66 years developed symptomatic and progressive SGS. Six of the 7 patients failed to respond to all measures of conservative and radical surgical intervention. After recent thorough evaluation for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) followed by medical management for such, these 6 patients have stabilized and have responded to surgical management. The seventh patient recently presented with SGS, was evaluated and treated for GERD, and has not required any surgical management. This study suggests that GERD laryngitis may be pertinent in the development of SGS. Medical management of GERD thus appears vital to successful treatment of idiopathic SGS.

Adult↗

Normal laryngeal valving patterns during three breath-hold maneuvers: a pilot investigation.

Synchronized videonasendoscopy and respiratory recordings were conducted in six healthy male subjects to evaluate activity of the arytenoid cartilages, true vocal folds, false vocal folds, and epiglottis during repeated trials of three breath-hold maneuvers: EASY hold, INHALE HARD hold, and INHALE/EXHALE HARD hold. Five of the six subjects demonstrated maximal laryngeal valving on the HARD breath-hold conditions. One subject showed maximal laryngeal valving on the EASY hold condition, and rarely demonstrated any medial displacement or contact of the laryngeal valves on either effortful breath-hold maneuver. Arytenoid approximation and true vocal fold closure were produced consistently by the majority of subjects on all breath-hold maneuvers, but false vocal fold approximation and anterior arytenoid tilting were accomplished by the majority of subjects only during the effortful breath-hold conditions. Intratrial and intersubject variation indicated that presence or degree of laryngeal valving cannot be assumed during a breath-hold maneuver. We conclude that videonasendoscopy has merit in assessing a patient's laryngeal valving ability and progress in effectively using a breath-hold maneuver for safe swallowing function.

Adolescent↗

Determinants of intrabolus pressure during esophageal peristaltic bolus transport.

Previous manometric studies of esophageal fluid bolus transport in humans have generally ignored the hydrodynamic distinction between intrabolus pressure and pressure within the lumen-occluded, contracting esophageal segment. In this study we obtained concurrent esophageal videofluoroscopic and intraluminal manometric recordings in supine normal volunteers using different bolus volumes and viscosities and abdominal compression. Intrabolus pressure increased with bolus volume, viscosity, and abdominal compression. Esophageal diameter increased with larger bolus volumes, and this increase was correlated with increases in intrabolus pressure. Intrabolus pressure was highest in the bolus tail. Peak intraluminal pressures > 20 mmHg above basal intrabolus pressure almost invariably were associated with effective peristalsis, whereas values of this pressure differential < 20 mmHg frequently were associated with ineffective peristalsis and retrograde bolus escape. Intrabolus pressure can serve as an important indicator of the forces resisting peristaltic transport and the occurrence of ineffective bolus transport.

Abdomen↗

Effect of aging and bolus variables on pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter motor function.

Effect of aging, bolus volume, temperature, and consistency on the pharyngeal peristalsis, as well as the effect of aging on the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) resting pressure and its response to esophageal distension by air and balloon, were studied in 14 young and 12 healthy elderly volunteers. In both age groups there was no significant volume or temperature effect on amplitude, duration, or velocity of the pharyngeal peristalsis. Compared with water swallows, mashed potato swallows resulted in a significant increase in the amplitude and duration of the hypopharyngeal peristaltic pressure wave (P < 0.05). For water swallows, the amplitude and duration of the peristaltic pressure wave in the hypopharynx were significantly increased in the elderly compared with the young group (P < 0.01). UES resting pressure in the elderly measured 43 +/- 5 (SE) mmHg and was significantly less than that of the young (71 +/- 8 mmHg; P < 0.01). Magnitude of the UES pressure decrease because of esophageal distension by air, as well as magnitude of its pressure increase because of esophageal balloon distension, was similar among young and elderly. 1) Contrary to common expectations, the parameters of the pharyngeal peristaltic pressure wave do not deteriorate in the elderly in their seventh and eighth decade. 2) Compared with the young, hypopharyngeal pressure wave amplitude and duration are significantly increased in the elderly. This increase could be caused by an adaptation response to a pharyngeal outflow compromise. 3) Pharyngeal peristaltic pressure wave amplitude and duration, but not its velocity, are modulated by the bolus consistency. This modulatory mechanism is preserved in the elderly. 4) Although UES resting pressure is significantly decreased in the elderly, its pressure response to esophageal distension by air and balloon is preserved.

Adult↗

Effect of age and bolus variables on the coordination of the glottis and upper esophageal sphincter during swallowing.

We studied 1) the effect of age and bolus variables on a) the coordination of deglutitive vocal cord adduction and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation and b) the duration of deglutitive vocal cord adduction; 2) the effect of the presence of a manometric catheter across the UES on the deglutitive glottal function; and 3) the temporal relationship between deglutitive vocal cord closure and swallow-induced apnea. We studied 10 young (23 +/- 2 yr) and 10 healthy elderly (73 +/- 2 yr) volunteers by concurrent videoendoscopy, UES manometry, respirography, and submental surface electromyography. In both groups the onset of vocal cord adduction preceded the onset of UES relaxation, deglutitive apnea, and submental electromyogram swallowing signal. In both groups, bolus volume and temperature did not have any significant effect on the duration of deglutitive vocal cord adduction. In both young and elderly volunteers, water swallows, compared with dry swallows, significantly shortened the interval between the onset of deglutitive vocal cord adduction and the onset of UES relaxation. In conclusion, coordination between deglutitive glottal and UES function, as well as the duration of deglutitive vocal cord adduction, is preserved in the elderly. Bolus volume and temperature do not have a modulatory effect on the duration of vocal cord closure, but water swallow shortens the interval between the onset of glottal closure and UES relaxation. This shortened interval may contribute to the safety of the airway during swallowing of liquid volumes.

Adult↗

Esophagoglottal closure reflex: a mechanism of airway protection.

Abrupt esophageal distention occurs commonly during gastroesophageal reflux, thereby generating a circumstance favorable to esophagopharyngeal regurgitation and laryngeal aspiration of gastric refluxate. The aims of the present study were to examine the glottal response to esophageal distention by air and regional esophageal distention by a balloon. Fifteen healthy volunteers (age, 25 +/- 5 years) were studied while they were in an upright position. Using concurrent videoendoscopy and manometry, glottal and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) responses to abrupt esophageal distention by air injection (10-60 mL) and balloon distention (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 cm) were recorded simultaneously. In addition, 6 subjects were studied with concurrent synchronized videofluoroscopy. Results showed that esophageal distention by air at a threshold volume of 10-60 mL caused vocal cord closure. The UES response to this threshold volume was variable. Volumes larger than the threshold value caused complete UES relaxation and belching. In addition to vocal cord closure, belching was accompanied by anterior movement of the glottis. On videofluoroscopy, the hyoid bone moved anteriorly in association with belching, but not with vocal cord closure without belching. Proximal esophageal distention by the balloon also provoked vocal cord closure. This response was less consistent for balloon distention in the middle and distal esophagus. It is concluded that (a) esophageal distention by either air or a balloon evokes a glottal closure mechanism, thereby suggesting the existence of an esophagoglottal reflex; (b) this reflex is elicited most easily by distention of the proximal esophagus; (c) glottal and UES responses to esophageal distention are independent from each other; and (d) the esophagoglottal closure reflex may play an important role in preventing laryngeal aspiration of acid due to gastroesophageal reflux accompanied by acid regurgitation into the pharynx.

Adult↗

Manometric characteristics of cervical dysphagia in a patient with the Kearns-Sayre syndrome.

The manometric findings of deglutitive pharyngoesophageal function in a patient with the Kearns-Sayre syndrome and cervical dysphagia are described. These findings indicate that striated muscles of the pharynx, upper esophageal sphincter (UES), and proximal esophagus are involved. Near absence of pharyngeal peristalsis, abnormally low UES resting pressure, and absence of proximal esophageal peristalsis characterize the manometric findings in this patient. It is conceivable that in mild cases, a combination of various degrees of severity of the above findings may exist.

Adult↗

Oesophageal clearance of small amounts of equal or less than one millilitre of acid.

The oesophageal acid clearance time was evaluated in 10 healthy volunteers of 'small' boluses of 0.5 and 1 ml and 'minute' boluses of 0.05 and 0.1 ml 0.1 N HCl, as well as 0.1 and 1 ml 0.01 and 0.001 N HCl. Swallow rate was normalised at q 60 seconds. For 0.1 ml 0.1 N HCl, acid clearance time was also measured for swallow intervals of q 30 and 120 seconds. Acid clearance time to restore pH to 4.0 was significantly longer (p less than 0.01) for the 0.5 and 1 ml 0.1 N HCl (210 and 273 seconds, respectively) than for the 0.05 and 0.01 ml acid boluses (83 and 94 seconds, respectively). The minimum acid clearance time was 18 seconds (0.05 ml 0.1 N HCl). Acid clearance time for 0.1 N HCl was less than one minute on only two occasions. The acid clearance times were comparable when the subjects sat upright. A longer interswallow interval--that is, 120 seconds, resulted in a significantly longer acid clearance time than shorter swallow intervals (p less than 0.05). Oesophageal acid clearance time for small acid volumes averaged more than three minutes and for minute acid volumes was generally more than one minute; and acid clearance times were comparable for the supine and upright postures, while gastrooesophageal reflux episodes causing pH drops to 3-4 may last for less than 15 seconds, substantial oesophageal pH drops to less than or equal to 1.5 that persists less than 15 seconds are difficult to be attributed to true gastrooesophageal reflux.

Adult↗

Mechanisms of airway protection and upper esophageal sphincter opening during belching.

The mechanisms of airway protection, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening, and their coordination during belching were studied with a concurrent videoendoscopic, videofluoroscopic, and manometric technique. Analysis of videoendoscopic recordings revealed that glottal function during gastric and esophageal belching was similar and consisted of vocal cord adduction resulting in closure of intoitus to trachea, followed by anterior-caudad movement of the glottis, followed by slitlike or triangular UES opening. When a belch episode was associated with an intragastric pressure increase, in addition to the above features, there was approximation of arytenoids to the base of the epiglottis before the UES opened. Duration of vocal cord closure during belches induced by 40 ml intraesophageal air injection was significantly longer than belches induced by 20 ml (P less than 0.01). Vocal cord closure preceded the UES opening invariably. Analysis of videofluoroscopic recordings showed that hyoid bone movement during belching had a distinctive pattern different from its movement during swallowing. UES opening started generally when the hyoid bone was pulled anteriorly. Anterior hyoid excursion of 0.78 +/- 0.1 cm during belching was significantly shorter than its excursion of 1.8 +/- 0.09 cm during swallowing (P less than 0.01). We conclude that glottal closure is an integral component of both esophageal and gastric belch reflexes that prevents aspiration of regurgitated material into the airway. Glottal closure mechanism during belching has two tiers of closure: 1) vocal cord closure and 2) aryepiglottic approximation. Glottal and UES functions are closely coordinated during belching, and finally, during belching, UES is pulled open after its relaxation.

Adult↗

Coordination of deglutition and phases of respiration: effect of aging, tachypnea, bolus volume, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The effects of aging, tachypnea, bolus volume, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the coordination of swallowing with the phases of respiration were studied by concurrent respirography and submental surface electromyography. Study findings showed that in young healthy volunteers, during rest, there is preferential coupling of subconscious swallowing with the expiratory phase of continuous respiration. This preferential coupling of swallowing with expiration was found to increase relative to other phases of respiration during water swallows and tachypnea (P < 0.05). Respiratory phase occurrence of swallowing and postdeglutitive resumption of respiration during exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was found to be significantly different compared with the basal state (P < 0.05). Respiratory phase occurrence of subconscious swallowing in the elderly was found to be different from the young (P < 0.05). Position had no significant effect on the coordination of swallowing and phases of respiration. We concluded that in resting young volunteers the majority of deglutitions are coupled with the expiratory phase of swallowing. This coupling is increased in frequency by the presence of a liquid bolus and tachypnea. And finally, age and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease alter this coordination significantly.

Adult↗