Swallowing dysfunction model:Examination of swallowing function by afferent stimulation

在动物模型中，支配咽部的感觉神经元损伤可引起吞咽功能障碍。本研究用免疫组织化学方法观察了大鼠会厌和咽部感觉神经纤维的分布。垂体腺苷酸环化酶激活多肽免疫反应（PACAP-IR）神经纤维位于粘膜上皮下方，偶尔穿透上皮。在会厌和咽内的味蕾中也检测到PACAP-IR神经纤维。逆行示踪法也证实PACAP在支配咽部的迷走神经和舌咽部感觉神经元中表达。这些结果表明，会厌和咽部上皮和味蕾中的PACAP-IR神经纤维起源于迷走神经节和舌咽部感觉神经节，包括伤害感受器和化学感受器。支配咽部和会厌的PACAP-IR神经元损伤可引起吞咽功能障碍。

Damage of sensory neurons innervating the pharynx can cause swallowing dysfunction in animal models. In this study, distribution of sensory nerve fibers was examined in the rat epiglottis and pharynx by immunohistochemical methods. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-immunoreactive (PACAP-IR) nerve fibers were located beneath the mucous epithelium, and occasionally penetrated the epithelium. PACAP-IR nerve fibers were also detected in taste buds within the epiglottis and pharynx. Retrograde tracing method also demonstrated that PACAP was expressed by vagal and glossopharyngeal sensory neurons innervating the pharynx. These findings suggest that PACAP-IR nerve fibers in the epithelium and taste bud of the epiglottis and pharynx which originate from the vagal and glossopharyngeal sensory ganglia include nociceptors and chemoreceptors. Injury of PACAP-IR neurons innervating the pharynx and epiglottis may cause swallowing dysfunction.